Richard Henry Lee to Annette Carter

I am to entreat your pardon for not having sent you the inclosed letter before now, and I think I shall obtain my request when you know the reasons that have caused the detention. This letter arrived before we left York, and before my brother returned to Virginia from Congress. Among many other foreign letters, this by mistake was carried to Virginia by my brother,¹ and not until lately returned. I hope however that no ill consequence will have arisen from its not reaching you sooner.

It grieves me that our flattering prospects at Rhode Island are so changed. This change of affairs will probably sustain the hopes of our enemies, and induce them to disturb our tranquility much longer than otherwise they would have done. I do not see how a war between France and G. Britain can now be avoided. Yet you may discover by Admiral Keppels letter about the taking of the two french frigates, that he considers his Ministry as acting with fear and trembling about things that may involve the necessity of rupture. I cannot help wishing that they may get heartily at it, because I think that during the progress of such a contest, we may find means of most effectually securing our independency.

The Dutch, according to custom, are for neutrality and commerce, and commerce with these States. How the latter can be prosecuted without destroying the other, time will discover. But it would seem that G. Britain must, upon her own principles oppose such commerce; whilst the Dutch I presume will not acquiesce with the capture of the Ships coming here.

I wish you happiness and success being very sincerely dear Sir your most obedient and very humble servant.

Richard Henry Lee