Baltimore Jan. 14 1777
My Dear Col.
Tho I have wrote pretty fully to Col. Tayloe, upon the present state of our affairs & sent him the papers, which I know you will partake of; yet I cant help saying a word, to convince you, that I can never forget you.
Dont you give us credit for our good policy in removing from Philadelphia? Nothing else cou'd awaken the Whigs of that State to a sense of their danger. The lethargy of the middle States was really alarming; thank God! it is removed, our new Army once well on foot, & all is safe, but I believe, my friend, we must be content with homespun the rest of our lives.
Doctor Bond promised to procure for you, a certain method of granulating sugar, he is much pleased with your intention, says the world is greatly obliged to [you,]1 happy to assist your designs.2 Philadelphia, I am sure prevented his complying with his promise: as that confusion is pretty well over, I will write to him to send it to me. The same reason has prevented your receiving the Philadelphia Ledger. There is a good paper published here, which will now contain all authentic intelligence. If you chuse it, I will send it.
If I have not been so punctual as I ought in the execution of your commands, I hope you will not impute it to want of inclination. I assure you I have little time I can call my own, & that irregular & uncertain. It is now past 12 at night & Mrs. Lee calls to bed. My best respects to Mr. Carter, his Lady & the family.
Adieu my friend.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Receiver's copy, Virginia Historical Society.
1 MS damaged; approximately three words missing.
2 MS damaged; approximately three words missing.