Richard Henry Lee to Landon Carter

I cannot omit so good an opportunity as Mr. Beale furnishes me with of thanking you for your favor whilst I was at Williamsburg which at that time I by no means had leisure to do. The experiments you have made are discouraging, but yet I am strongly inclined to think, from the experience of other countries, as well as from the trials made here, that we may yet succeed in the important business. Captain Chilton and myself, from the water of this creek, make 2 bushels a week of very fine blown salt.

I have received your summons, and shall obey it by meeting in district Committee, from whence I will do myself the pleasure of visiting Sabine Hall. The enemy of every thing good, has at length turned his wicked steps to this river, on the north side of which, we can every day see the smoke occasioned by his conflagrations. We learn that the people of Maryland are not quiet spectators of his proceedings, but that they have attacked and killed some of his people, and obliged the whole fleet to move its station. They are continually blasting away at each other. Last night I was engaged with a party of Militia expecting a visit from four of the enemies Ships and 3 Tenders that appeared off this house about sunset. They are gone up the river, upon what errand I know not, unless to get water where the river is fresh, or to burn Alexandria. We understand they are in great want both of water and provisions. I am, with very particular esteem dear Sir

Yours entirely.

Richard Henry Lee

Gen. Howe has landed 10,000 Men on Staten Island near N. York - Be pleased to send the Newspaper to your Neighbor Colo. Tayloe when you have perused it - R.H.L. I congratulate my Friend on the Declaration he will find in the paper now sent NOTES: Lenox Library