Richard Henry Lee to Patrick Henry

I am thus far on my way to Congress, having been sometime detained by the slowness of the Workman that made my Carriage wheels, the old being quite shattered and useless.

I have learned with much pleasure that recovery of health promises your speedy return to public business, and I heartily wish the latter may be benefitted as it will be by your uninterrupted enjoyment of the former.

I have been informed of two things, which if true, I think we may benefit from - These are, that the ships of war have all left our Bay, and that plenty of Salt is stored in the Islands of Bermuda. Would it not be proper to fall upon some method of giving the Bermudians speedy notice how things are circumstanced here, that they may embrace the opportunity of supplying us with that useful article. The present rainy season, will I fear disappoint the wise measures of Convention for making salt - But at all events our manufactured salt will be too late for many purposes, which a quicker supply from Bermuda, would effectually save.

Among these, the curing of grass beef and early Pork for the Army, are important objects. But should our Works fail, I fear most extensive and powerful convulsions will arise from the want of Salt, to prevent which, no precautions, I think, should be omitted. Our enemies appear to be collecting their whole force at N. York (except what goes to Canada) with design, no doubt, to make a last and powerful effort there. Our numbers, it seems, increase with theirs, so that I hope we shall be able to parry every thrust the Tyrant can make.

I learn from Maryland that the Counties have excluded from their new Convention all those that have been famous for

Moderation

as it is strangely called, and under this idea, that Johnson, Gouldsborough, Stone and Tilghman are left out, with the new Delegates to Congress, Alexander & Rogers.

I hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you at Philadelphia - I mean, exclusive of public writing, and in the mean time assure you that I am with much esteem and regard dear Sir

your affectionate friend and obedient servant.

P.S. Be so kind as to contrive the enclosed to our friend. I do not Know rightly where he is, so you will please finish the direction. NOTES: