Richard Henry Lee to Patrick Henry

I thank you for your favor which I found here on my return from Virginia.

Weak, and exposed as our enemies are in the Jersies, to a stroke that would be decisive, we cannot avail ourselves of it for want of men, altho we have arms, tents, cloaths, and every necessary ready for 20,000 Soldiers. The Levies come up very slow, and these are obliged to undergo inoculation before they join the Army, so that the General has not more than 4000 with him now, and the enemy have about 7000. Yet they continue narrowed in their quarters and greatly distressed for forage. O for 10, or 12 thousand Americans to sweep these Vermin from our land. We have received very agreable intelligence from the Commissioners (Dr. Franklin, Mr. Deane & Dr. Lee) of the United States to the Court of France. They have been received with great cordiality, promised protection, and an answer to their proposals as soon as Spain has been consulted, with which Country France means to act in close concert. The French had in January 25 sail of the line ready & Spain had 17. And both were certainly to have 30 by April. Ten thousand French troops were marched to Brest, where the Fleet lay, and opposite the English coast, which will no doubt occasion alarm and prevent the sending more Troops from G. Britain. The Court of London had solicited the Guarantee of its Continental possessions in Europe. and was refused by the Allies of France in Germany. The commissioners had negotiated a loan of. two millions of Livres, to be repaid when America was in peace and prosperity, without even the mention of interest, and the Ports of France, Spain, & Leghorn are open to our Prizes as well as our Trade. These things look well, and if we are not wanting to ourselves, must in [time fix] the freedom and happiness of America. We have 12,000 stand of Arms arrived at Portsmouth in N. Hampshire with other Military Stores, and 8,000 stand come in here.

The enemy lately made an attack by surprize on our posts upon the highlands of Hudsons River, but they were repulsed and driven on board their Ships with precipitation and disgrace by an inferior number of American Troops. They have lately embarked Troops at N. York, the Tories say for this City, themselves say they are going to Chesapeake Bay. Some think they mean nothing but to amuse, whilst others imagine they mean to renew their attack on the heights of Hudsons River. Either of the two last opinions I prefer to the former. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in May at Williamsburg,

and remain in the mean time with great friendship and affection dear Sir yours,

Richard Henry Lee