Richard Henry Lee to William Lee

As I have but now been made acquainted with this opportunity that is just departing, you will therefore excuse my not gratifying your curiosity so fully as it might wish, and the same reason will be an apology for my considering this letter as written both to you & your acquaintance in the Temple.¹ Early preparations had been made to receive the force coming against America as you will perceive by the manner in which that force has been received. The Troops ready in Virginia & North Carolina, with the united alertness of those States (for so they are now called) to meet Gen. Clinton, occasioned him to go with his whole force against Charles Town in South Carolina, where his landing was prevented, and Sr. Peter Parkers fleet beaten and repulsed as you will see in the inclosed paper, which is a very authentic account. Thus defeated and disappointed they returned to join Lord & Gen. Howe then before New York. Lord Dunmore, after having figured most contemptibly in Virginia for some time, was at length compelled by hunger, disease, and fear, to retire to N. York likewise. You will see herein a printed true account of the last attack made on him and the consequences. The small pox having raged with pestilential fury and universality, leaving not above one in ten of the American Army unattackt in Canada, in that state the British troops &c. arrived in that Country. It is realy not surprising that the former retreated to the east side of Lake Champlain, but it is most astonishing that they effected their retreat with little or no loss. The American strength on that Lake is at this time so great both by land and water that they rest secure against any attempts from Gens. Carleton and Burgoyn. When the whole Fleet and Army were collected before New York, the British Troops had been for some time in possession of Staten Island, they landed the greatest part of their Army on Long Island, where they had not been long, before an engagement happened between 3000 of the American troops and (as the best accounts here agree) at least 18,000 of the regulars, which ended in the loss of about 1000 Men taken, killed, & wounded of the Americans, who made few prisoners, but who slaughtered of their enemies many more than were killed of their own people. It being very evident that Long Island and the City of N. York were not to be defended against a potent land army & sea force acting in conjunction, both these places were in their turns evacuated, and the American Army retreated to their present post on the heights of Haerlem about 8 or 10 miles above the City and on the same Tongue of land upon which the Town stands. This is a very strong post by nature and strongly fortified by Art. 30,000 men are there placed to prevent the further progress of Mr. Howe, and to this time he has been effectually prevented. A thousand men under command of Brigr. Gen. Leslie lately attempted some of Gen. Washingtons Outposts, and was beaten off with the loss of about 400 killed & wounded. Thus things remain this 2d of October. The British Army have Connecticut on their right where they do not incline to go, Gen Washington with 30,000 men on the heights of Haerlem in their Front, and on their left the Jersies in which an army of Observation is posted either to prevent penetration that way or to aid Gen. Washington occasionally. The N. river is so obstructed that Vessels cannot go above the heights of Haerlem, and these obstructions are covered by 50 pieces of heavy Cannon placed on the heights. This you may depend upon it is a true state of things at present, and you will readily see how poor a compensation it promises for the expence of 12 millions this Campaign, and the loss of America forever. You may remember that I wrote you my opinion 14 months ago, that if the Ministry pushed the war another year this would be the consequence, and facts seem to authenticate my judgment. The manner in which the last petition of the Congress, was treated and the last speech to Parliament alarmed the people here, but when the Army and Fleet destined against America was made known, the eyes of all Men were opened, the blind saw, the timid became determin'd, and all joined in commanding the Congress to declare the Colonies Free & Independant States which they did, as you will see among the inclosures. A very trifling few indeed, amazingly few excepted, saw that it was no longer optional in America to be connected with G.B. on Constitutional terms, but that this Country was reduced to the Alternative of Slavery or Independency, and they hesitated not to choose the latter. In most of the States new and regular Governments are established. The Legislature in most consists of two branches, the third being confined to the executive line. Since Lord Howes arrival he has not mended matters in the way of treaty. The Americans say the insidious nothings that he proposes is adding insult to injury. You will see by one of the inclosures how his plan was bared to public view by a conference he had with a Committee of Congress, that, it would seem, had been sent on purpose to expose to the World that nothing but Subduction was ever intended. We understand the Hessians carry it with a high hand over the British Troops who are obliged to truckle on every occasion! The number of Prizes taken by the American Cruisers is wonderful. At least 6000 hhds of Sugar and a world of other Goods are already safe in these Ports, and the American force by Sea daily increasing. I do realy think, that if a great Statesman with proper powers were to arise in England, he would endeavor to save his Country by immediately acknowledging the independence of North America and forming with these States an advantageous Treaty of Commerce. Shortly it may be too late.

A new Stewart is placed at Green Spring in the room of Fauntleroy who is removed. A Mr. Ellis of Hanover, extremely well recommended for sobriety, honesty, skill & diligence is appointed. An Acquaintance of yours would be happy if two in the North could be contrived to him, provided every thing relative to learning is not likely to go on well.

Adieu.