Philadelphia 29th April 1777
My dear Sir,
Being often obliged to write in great haste, is the reason that I sometimes omit to date my letters. But I am now to acknowledge the favor of yours of the 24th and I readily acquiesce with your reasons concerning the Iron works.1 I was indeed not apprised of so great a number of these being in Jersey. I shall certainly exert myself to have your views for Gen. Arnold and Colo. Huntington carried into execution.2 This day the Committee of Secret Correspondence received a letter from Doctor Lee of later date as you will see than the former of which I sent you an extract. From the letter now received is taken what I have now the honor to inclose you.3 I realy believe it contains the true design of the enemy, and it may serve to explain the late Apparatus of Boats with Gen Howe, and the continuance of the Troops at Rhode Island. It may be some advantage to us to be apprized of their intentions. Doctor Lee is of opinion that the state of Europe was so critical, that it seemed impossible a war could hold off three months. However this may be, you are certainly right Sir, that our utmost vigor and vigilance should be exerted.
I am, with most unfeigned esteem, dear Sir Your most obedient and most humble servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver’s copy, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Addressed to Washington "At Head Quarters in New Jersey." Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 284 - 85.
1 For Lee’s suggestion that iron workers be exempted from military service, see Lee to Washington, 16 April 1777.
2 Benedict Arnold was belatedly promoted to major general on 2 May and Jedediah Huntington was appointed a brigadier general on the 12th. JCC, 7:323, 347.
3 The enclosed extract, which Richard Henry labeled "Bordeaux, 20 February 1777," is identical to the first paragraph of the Arthur Lee letter printed under an 18 February date in Wharton, Diplomatic Correspondence, 2:272 - 73.
4 John Swan had recently been appointed to a captaincy. See Washington’s 25 April letter to George Baylor in Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 7:470.