Phila. 16 March 1779
Sir,1
I am much concerned that the state of my health prevented me from seeing you when you did me the honor of calling at my lodgings, and my concern is very greatly increased by knowing that it is absolutely out of my power to promote your views (as you have expressed them in your favor of the 15 instant).2If Sir my powers were equal to my wishes which are founded on the conviction I have of your merit, most certainly you would be gratified in your desires. But I should think myself much to blame if I encouraged hopes where I was convinced that none can be entertained. The state of the army, the opinion of Congress on such cases, and the fact being that there are many more Officers of all ranks than Men to be commanded, will I fear render it impossible for you to succeed. Your situation affects me greatly, but how to better it, is a difficulty that I know not in which way to remove.
I have the honor to be with real esteem and regard Sir your most obedient and very humble servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Lee Family PapersUniversity of Virginia Archives
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 2, 1779 - 1794, pp. 40 - 41. Printed also in the April 1860 issue of the Southern Literary Messenger, 269. This letter was drafted on the back of de Knobelauch’s letter to Lee of 15 March.
1 For Knobelauch’s efforts to secure a Continental commission, see these Letters,10:442n.5; and John Jay to Knobelauch, 29 August 1779.
2 Knobelauch’s letter to Lee of 15 March is in the Lee Papers, University of Virginia Archives.