York, Penn. 25 Octo. 1777.
Dear Sir:
The slow but sure moving Gates has not yet sent us his glorious Inventory. However, the intelligence of Burgoyne’s surrender comes to us through such good channels that we do not doubt its truth, but impute Genl. Gates’ silence to his necessary attention to the great business of disposing properly of so many prisoners &c., &c. I lately wrote Mr. Page1 that the enemy had quitted Philadelphia. This came to us from the D. Quartermaster General, Col. Lutterlock, but it seems the motion of the enemies army was only from German Town, within their lines that cross the Common of Philadelphia from Delaware to Schuylkill. The body that crossed Schuylkill when Howe was supposed to be retreating was 1,500 as convoy to 150 Waggons sent to Chester for provisions. The narrowing their lines, and sending for provisions, evidences a design to keep Philadelphia if they can. But how they can, the inclosed letter from an Aid of Gen. Green will best satisfy you,2 for if they cannot get their ships up, it is not possible for them to remain at Philadelphia I am just now well informed that Gen. Washington intended to move his army to the Chester side of Schuylkill, in order to cut off the enemies’ intercourse with their Ships, and the better to aid the Fort on Delaware. That a Strong body of Militia will be left above German Town to prevent evil disposed persons from sending provisions to the enemy. I hope Burgoyne’s surrender will be followed by that of Howe.
I am dear Sir affectionately yours,
Richard Henry Lee
Printed in Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:107 - 9. Printed also in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 342 - 43.
1 Not found.
2 Lee enclosed a copy of Maj. John Clark’s 24 October letter to Daniel Roberdeau reporting the repulse of Hessian attacks on Forts Mifflin and Mercer, which is in Henry, Patrick Henry, 3:108 - 9.
3 David Mason’s 6 and 9 September letters requesting money and supplies for Virginia troops marching northward were read in Congress on 21 October and are in PCC, item 78, 15:257 - 59, 261 - 62.