Thomas McKean to Richard Henry Lee

My friends will, I know, excuse me from writing long letters during my present employment, but I cannot excuse myself for omitting this favorable opportunity by Doctor Arthur Lee of paying my devoirs to you. The Doctor’s affairs are terminated; as far as relates to Accounts, nearly satisfactorily, with this exception that he has not received any part of the sum due to him.¹ For the rest I must refer you to himself, assuring you that those members of Congress, who know you, Sir and your worthy brother Francis, and your strenuous exertions in the cause of America, from the commencement of the contest, still retain the warmest & most disinterested friendship for each of you.

Virginia, I find, has not yet experienced all the calamities of war. Lord Cornwallis appears to be determined on still greater mischief. I pray God to give you patience & fortitude in this severe trial, and to enable you to work out your deliverance. The Enemy must become weaker every day, and we shall certainly grow stronger; we are at present very low, with respect to finance, but it is with infinite pleasure I can inform you, that we have very fair prospects on that head from abroad as well as at home. France has lately given further proof, that she is a faithfull Ally: I cannot be more particular. Spain continues to act an interested and mysterious part, but must in the end close with us. The United Provinces of the Netherlands appear to be very friendly, but they are tedious in their deliberation & slow in execution. The Doctor will give you all the News; I shall therefore only beg you will make my best compliments acceptable to your Brother Francis, and believe me to be, with the most respectful attachment, Dear Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant.²