Richard Henry Lee to Adam Stephen

I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 26 August, and for the satisfaction you are pleased to express at knowing that I was in good health My health is indeed not bad at this time, but I am quite worn down with so long and constant attention to public business. I suppose you will have heared before this reaches you, that a violent Storm saved Lord Howe and the British fleet from the vengeance of Count D’Estaing. This ill timed tempest shattered and dispersed both fleets so that a very partial fighting took place between a few single Ships. The F. Admiral lost all his Masts before he fired a gun, they were carried away by the Storm. He returned to Rhode Island in that condition with a 74 that had lost her foremast & Bowsprit. The rest of his fleet safe, except the Caesar of 74 guns that has since arrived at Boston, where the whole fleet went immediately to refit, after touching at R. Island only. In this situation of things Gen. Sullivan was to consider, whether to retreat, or continue to press the Seige of Newport and risk the arrival of succors from York. Council of War determined upon the former. The consequence was as you will see in the paper inclosed. I should suppose that Gen. Sullivan will find no great difficulty in effecting his retreat whilst the enemy continue sore from their late drubbing. It appears by the last accounts from England, that Adml. Keppel had taken two French frigates in the Channel, which he seems to have done with fear and trembling, for he apologises for his conduct. Whether the Duke des Chartres, who commands a superior fleet in the harbor of Brest will admit his apology, time must discover. I like much your ideas about the best manner of proceeding to the westward, and will in due season avail myself of your plan.

Remember me, if you please, with affectionate respect to Greenway Court, and do not forget my other friends in your parts.

I am, with sincere regard, dear Sir your real friend and most obedient servant.

Richard Henry Lee

R.H. Lee