Richard Henry Lee to John Page

I am extremely obliged to you for your last favour and much pleased with the spirit of your letter. I am as sure as of my existence that if our large Gallies were manned, gunned, and fitted, that the navigation of our Bay would receive no interruption.¹ I wish our Government would consult their Sister Maryland about this business, and with joint council and united strength, immediately equip such a number of strong Gallies as to free our Bay from these piratical incursions. Experience has proved the efficacy of these Vessels in small waters, and in the way of surprise against the largest Ships. They are cheaper than Ships, and rigged Ship fashion will be well understood by our Navigators. They are the best batteries, because they are movable ones, and the circumstance of drawing little water, peculiarly fits them for the shallow waters on our coasts. I pray you Sir to exert your influence to obtain the speedy use of the valuable Vessels, the surest defence, and the cheapest we can employ. The events of war are at a stand until our new Army can assemble. The enemies horses are nearly all dead for want of forage, and this is withheld from them by our feeble force, which is wisely and bravely employed to watch and defeat every foraging party that descends the hills of Brunswick. How unhappy it is and how disgraceful to America, that a Continent of Freemen should suffer 6000 men determined upon their ruin, to winter upon a hill in their Country! But yet it is so, and every exertion of Congress, the most urgent calls from them on every part, has been ineffectual to procure the destruction of these foes to human freedom! For heavens sake Sir press forward our Quota, that we may early in the Spring, or before the Winter is over, do something effectual with these our determined enemies. That a war in Europe is not far off, is very clear to me. The Tyrants speech strongly suggests it amidst his fears of alarming his deluded people. We every day expect the Vessel that carried Dr. Franklin, to return, & by her we hope for the most agreable accounts. However, on these I would not place our reliance.

We have means enough, if wisely improved, to secure us against every wicked attempt to destroy our liberties. Procul a Jove, procul a fulmene. Your Brother & Sister were inoculated three days ago, and must of course remain here until their recovery. Congress have determined to return Philadelphia next Wednesday. In the recess, I shall carry Mrs. Lee to Virginia that she may be indulged with the sight of her children whom she longs to see after 6 months absence.

Farewell dear Sir,

Richard Henry Lee