Philadelphia 13 March 1776
Dear Sir,
I was in Virga. (from whence I am but just returned) when your favor of the 26th Decr.1 came here, and now I have but a moment before this Gentleman goes off to thank you for it, and to cover a letter from your brother, with the proceedings and ordinances of our last Convention.2 Gen. Clinton had left Virginia before I did, and was gone to one, but which we do not know, of the Carolinas. Gen Lee is now here on his way to the Southward where he is to take the direction of our and the Carolina Troops. I shall write you fully in a Post or two, in the mean time beg my compls. to your Lady, Mr. & Mrs. Custis.
I am dear Sir Your most affectionate friend.
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver’s copy, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, p. 169.
1 See Washington, Writings (Fitzpatrick), 4:186 - 87.
2 The proceedings of the Virginia convention, which convened in Richmond on December 1, 1775, and adjourned at Williamsburg on January 20, 1776, are in Am. Archives, 4th ser. 4:75 - 148.