Richard Henry Lee to Horatio Gates

I thank you for your obliging letter by Dr. Johnson.¹ That gentleman has been pleased to promise that he will call for an answer, should he not, this letter must find its way by the safest hand I can meet with. There can be nothing in nature more clear than that large Magazines of bread provision at least, are indispensable in the East; and every nerve is, and has for some time been straining to accomplish this purpose. Distance and the want of safe means for water conveyance, are considerable obstructions; but a far greater than these are a pernicious set of Miscreants called Engrossers, who by the redundance of money, have sprung up in multitudes like Mushrooms in heat and moisture, and they in the midst of plenty are creating an artificial scarcity which threatens much mischief. We have sent such recommendations to the different States, as if adopted, will I hope occasion these mercenary Wretches to suffer in the way that will hurt them most. I hope the various measures we have taken, will prove, tho slow, effectual in the end. Some considerations induce me to think that the enemy will not attempt Boston, notwithstanding the Object is so tempting under its present circumstances. For, if success presents advantages and great ones too, failure is most certain ruin. In fact more may be lost than can possibly be gained. Gen. Clintons Army is the only hope of Canada, Nova Scotia, Floridas, West Indies, and perhaps I may safely add, very much of G. Britain & Ireland. Should Burgoynes fate be Clintons the four former possessions are infallibly lost, and the two latter shaken to their foundations. Revenge must therefore be postponed to safety, and keeping what they have must precede the recovery of what they have lost. We hear pretty directly, that Dominica is already in the possession of our Ally, and that Jamaica and St Kitts are trembling for fear. Admiral Keppel too, it seems, has fled from the fleet of France. These things do not admit a much longer stay here. However we ought in wisdom, to be completely guarded against every attempt, and every one of us, in his Station should be contriving to that end.

My brother Arthur will be happy to hear from you, for I know he considers your Victories as contributing more essentially than anything else to place us on the ground of security and honor upon which we now stand.

I am, with sincere esteem and affection, dear Sir your obliged friend,

Richard Henry Lee