York Town. Dec. 5th. 1777.
Dear Sir,1
I have some Time ago delivered your Request to the Board of War, and I have strongly urged the Propriety of permitting you to go to N. York, and to England, if you choose it.2 The Multiplicity of Business has prevented the Consideration of your Affair, but I am promised that it shall soon be taken up, and you will know the
Result. I am myself going immediately to Virginia for the Winter Season.3
I am Sir your most humble Servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Transcription, University of Virginia Library. Addressed: "To Captain Webb at Easton."
1 Thomas Webb (c.1724 - 96), a retired British army captain and leader of the Methodist movement in America, who had been declared a prisoner of war by a congressional resolve, had been residing on parole in Bethlehem, Pa., with his family since 31 May 1777.
2 There is no record of the Board of War’s consideration of this request, but Webb persisted in his efforts to secure his release. His 9 January 1778, letter informing Daniel Roberdeau that a prisoner exchange had been arranged and requesting a pass to Philadelphia was read in Congress on 20 January and referred to the board. Despite the fact that the proposed exchange was not effected, Webb was granted a pass on 20 February to travel to Philadelphia to settle some private affairs and he failed to return to Bethlehem. See JCC, 7:367, 10:67; PCC, item 78, 23:433 - 34; and PMHB, 10:233 - 35; 12:200 - 203, 400 - 404; 13:80, 84; 40:118 - 19.
3 Lee was granted leave on 15 November "for the recovery of his health" and, according to his 25 January 1778, letter to his brother William, left Congress on 6 December. See JCC, 9:928; and Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, 1:381.