Philadelphia 24th Novr. 1776
Dear Sir,1
You have imputed to the right cause my not answering your former letter sooner, it was indeed multiplicity of business.
Very long before your recommendation of Mr. Plunket came to hand, a Capt. Disney had been appointed Capt. of Marines on board the Virginia, upon the recommendation of Mr. Stone.
The Congress have determined to build in Maryland two Frigates of 36 guns each, and I make no doubt but that one at least of these will be built at Baltimore.2 I suppose, when the Committee meets on Tuesday next, that directions concerning the building the new ships will issue to the respective States. Not a word has been yet said in Congress touching a quarrel with Portugal, no[r] will any such thing happen, I imagine, unless they should confiscate any of our Vessels.
It will give us much pleasure to hear that Capt. Nicholson is ready for sea, and I think we can furnish him from hence with one such Anchor as you mention. Capt. Biddles frigate Randolph of 32 guns is now completely ready except that she wants Men, which want we hope to remedy when the Vessels, daily expected, arrive. The Virginia 8: the Randolph cruising together, might bring us in some of the enemies scattering frigates that now go about, very badly manned, injuring our trade extremely. I wish therefore, that every effort were strained to get the Virginia ready. Our enemies army has been pretty busy since they retreated from the White Plains. Already they have got possession both of Mount Washington and Fort Lee, and they talk, or the Tories talk for them, strongly of their aiming at this City. I fancy they will find some difficulty, and not a little danger in the accomplishment of this part of their plan.
My compliments, if you please, to the reverend Mr. Allison, and my other friends in Baltimore.
If the Tories do not mend their manners, be more modest, and less noisy, they will shortly be haled over the coals in such a manner as will make this country too hot to hold them.
I am Sir your most obedient humble servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver's copy, Maryland Historical Society.
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 225 - 27. Endorsed "Rd Henry Lee Novr. 24th. 1776 - "
1 Although originally addressed by Lee "General Stephen at Amboy in New Jersey," Lee subsequently carefully lined out these words. The content of the letter and Purviance's response clearly establish the identity of the recipient. For Purviance's response, dated 29 November, see Morgan, Navy Documents, 7:326 - 28.
2 See JCC, 6:970.