Philadelphia May 3. 1777
Dear Sir,
An hundred times have I been going to write to you, & as often been interrupted. I hope you will not punish me too severely, by ceasing to let me know, now & then, what you are doing. We hear there are some appearances of the Enemy quitting the Jerseys, will you let them get off unhurt? Considerable reinforcements are coming forward, near 2000 are now marching from hence.
Great exertions will be made against us this campaign, our exertions must be proportioned; but I am sure it will not avail us much to have numbers in the feild, if they are not under proper discipline, of which I almost despair, so very shamefull has been the conduct of our Officers for some months past. Unless the Generals take extraordinary pains & examine minutely into every particular relative to the troops, disease & despondency will make them an easy prey to the Enemy. Cleanliness in lodging & diet, just payments, and martial exercises will make them invincible. Tis true your troops are at present raw; but you may remember that Epaminondas soon bro't his disheartend Countrymen to beat the best troops, then in the world; by his excellent discipline, & frequent judicious skirmishes. I know I incur the ridicule of the Orator who discoursed of war before Hanibal but I cant help it, the subject lies too heavy upon my mind. The stake we play for is not a common one.
Tis a pity so many of our stores were laid up in that nest of Tories at Danbury & its environs; the loss will not easily be repaired, & the disgrace is injurious. These things hurt us exceedingly with our own people, & have a bad influence abroad. God send you may soon give us something to put on the other side of the Account.
The Lottery managers informed me, they had sent Tickets to camp, so that I suppose you are supplied. May the genius of Liberty attend your steps & render you victorious over all its Enemies.
Farewell,
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Receiver's copy, Rosenbach Museum and Library, Philadelphia.