Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Lee Shippen

Your letter of the 4th. I received this day, and whatever may be the opinion of others with respect to me, I am happy to find that yours, which I much value, states me as I realy am - Not suffering private regards to supplant public duty - I think that whilst I live I shall never forsake this principle -

It was not difficult to foresee that all the arts of division practised in the Senate would be repeated in the H. of R. and so, this day, the first that they entered upon the consideration of our bill, has been wasted in debate upon a proposed amendment to substitute Baltimore for Potomac - no question yet taken upon that - Tomorrow will probably be passed in determining whether N.Y. shall be preferred to Phila. - &c. &c. &c. - Our friends seem determined hereafter to prevent the Adversary’s stratagem for delay & division, by letting them talk and the former be contented with voting - Thus perhaps, this troublesome business may be ended on thursday when it is expected that the bill will be carried by a Majority of one or two at least - Should this Bill succeed it will be a very strong proof of the prevalence of truth over its contrary - for every art that can be devised has been practised to overcome truth and public convenience - Stratagem in every shape - threats of Mob - Severance of the Union - And even beauty has condescended to aid a misjudged policy in this business - for this day the House has been crouded with Ladies, as much as to say, as you Vote, so will we smile - A severe trial for susceptible minds - And a very unfair (if I may say that Ladies can do any thing unfair) whilst the Abundant beauty of Philadelphia had not an equal opportunity of shewing its wishes - May heaven protect you & us all - Yours affectionately.

Richard Henry Lee