New York April 25th. 1785
Sir,
The Letter that you honored me with by Dr. Lyman I received, and I hope I have served that Gentleman effectually by introducing and recommending him to the Delegate here from Georgia, who has written in the Doctors favour to the principal men in his State. I am so perfectly well acquainted with your justice and humanity, that I am very sure of success, when I recommend to your friendly care and powerful protection the cause of an innocent but injured Gentleman, and of a very worthy family. It is Mr. Charles McEvers of this City, whose property in your State has, I understand, been confiscated upon a mistaken principle that he was a british Adherent. It is most clear that a misconception of this Gentlemans Character has drawn this misfortune upon him, as appears incontestably by the proofs that he possesses of a very early attachment to our suffering friends at Boston, and by Governor Clintons letter, which out of doubt acquits him of all attachment to our former enemies. Eagle-eyed as this State is, and has been, to discern its foes; and prompt to confiscate the property of all such, it is a demonstration of the innocence of Mr. McEvers that he has not been here considered as an Adherent to the British. And what is a very remarkable truth that has come under my own observation, the warmest and most virtuous Whigs of this place are the most decided friends of Mr. McEvers, and wish to see justice done him by a restoration of his property lost in your State. Had these things been known to your wise and just Legislature, I am very certain that this misfortune would not have befallen this Gentleman, and when they shall be made known, I have as little doubt but that Mr. McEvers will receive complete retribution from an Assembly so justly celebrated as that of Connecticut for Wisdom and Virtue. I beg you Sir, to present my respectful Compliments to my much esteemed old Congressional friends Mr. Sherman and Col. Dyer, and tell them how much I wish that my advocation of Mr. McEvers course may meet with their approbation, and be supported by their Aid; and that influence which the Opinions of such men must always have upon the minds of their fellow Citizens.1
I have the Honor to be, with great esteem and regard Sir, Your Most Obedient & very humble Servant,
Richard Henry Lee
Receiver's copy, Rosenbach Museum and Library, Philadelphia. In a clerical hand and signed by Lee.
1 Lee sent this letter under cover of the following brief letter to McEvers of April 27.
"I have the honor to enclose a letter for Mr. Huntington which I sincerely wish may be fortunate enough to avail you in the just application that you are making to the Assembly of Connecticut. If it can be in my power to serve you in any other manner, freely command me." Revolutionary War Collection, Ct.