Chantilly August the 12. 1780
My dear Sir,
A letter that I received from our friend Mr. Bee a fortnight past was the first notice that I had of the probability of your speedily sailing, and caused me to apprehend that you would have left Philadelphia before my last letter from hence reached you - Your favor of the 1st. instant setts that matter right, and from the usual delay in our marine matters, I am induced to think that these my thanks for that favor will yet find you in Philadelphia. When you do go, for public reasons and from private affection, I do most sincerely wish you health, happiness and success - I have no doubt but that I shall hear from you when your leisure permits, and if you will favor me with your address I shall do myself the honor to inform you how we go on - The goodness of providence has caused good to spring from evil, and in human affairs I think that good is generally derived from great extremities of ill - Here let us rest our hopes, and I will expect to inform you e’er long that men and things are mended much - in truth I think we do mend in this quarter - It will be with infinite pleasure that I shall inform you of your most substantial property rude possessors. I observe with great satisfaction in the Baltimore paper of the 1st. that Jamaica is certainly attacked with 36 sail of the Line & 26,000 men - Success against that important Isla[n]d will probably bring our enemies to reason, and open their ears to honorable peace. Mr. Lovell has not favored me with a line for many weeks past - I began to fear he had left Congress - but now I shall inclose this to him least you should be gone - I am dear Sir, with the sincerest affection
your obliged friend.
Richard Henry Lee
No news here. Turn over.
Laurens CorrespondenceLong Island Historical Society
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 2, 1779 - 1794, pp. 195 - 96. Addressed to Laurens, "Member of Congress at Philadelphia," and endorsed "Recd. 16th. Decem 1782."