Philadelphia 18th Sepr 1779
My Dear Sir
When I did myself the Honor of writing to you last, it was my intention to tarry here till the latter end of next month, but the arrival of a second Colleague has altered my determination. I shall take my leave of this City to morrow,1 but I must confess I shall not do it with the satisfaction I should if Verginia and some other States that might be mentioned were Representd in the manner I have known them.
It affords me particular satisfaction to find by your favor of the 4th inst. that your health is restored.2 I hope your influence will make some beneficial changes in the politics of Virginia. I am sure your endeavours will not be wanting, and I am very sure you are convinced of the necessity of changing men if not measures. If there is as much Virtue and Integrity in a certain Assembly as formerly, there certainly is a Languor, a want of Resolution, to oppose vice, and stem the torrent of corruption that at this time threatens ruin to America, but I hope that persevering Spirit which heretofore faced every difficulty and looked all opposition out of countenance, will again revive and scatter the Cloud that now hangs over us.
I expect my retirement will afford me a satisfaction impossible to be enjoyed in Philadelphia but however happy my scituation may be, it will ever be increased by hearing of the prosperity and Happiness of those worthy Patriots who first steped forward, braved every danger & combated the greatest difficulties and by their Virtuous Struggles and unremitted exertions have thus far rescued their country from the hand of Tyranny.
Some of your Friends particularly Mr. Laurens & Mr. Lovell will give you an accot how matters are going on here, these Gentn. I need not tell you, are real Friends to virtue and consequently to those devoted to the cause of virtue. I must approve Dr Lee’s intention to come to this Country when the Spanish business is concluded. I think it necessary he shod. have a fair opportunity of puting to shame those base assassins whose malice is wrought up to the highest pitch by a consciousness of their own inferority. If he lands in NewHampshire I am confident he will be received with the Respect due; and in some measure proportioned to his merit. I shall be particularly happy in having an opporutnity of manifesting my Gratitude for his services to America.
Notwithstanding the great distance between us, I shall flatter myself with hopes of some times receiving a line from you & You may be assured I shall omit no opportunity of communicating whatever I think will give you pleasure. Please to Remember me very affectionately to Coll F. Lee.
I am My Dear Sir with the highest Esteem and Respect Your Sincerely Affectionate Friend,
Wm. Whipple
Receiver’s copy, Lee Papers, American Philosophical Society.
1 Whipple did not depart until September 25. See Nathaniel Peabody to Josiah Bartlett, 5 October 1779.
2 Lee’s September 4 letter to Whipple is in Lee, Letters (Ballagh), 2:144 - 46.