Richard Henry Lee to Samuel Adams

May I now congratulate you on the fair prospect of obtaining that which we long together labor’d for the accomplishment of? I wish most sincerely that the full possession of wisdom and virtue may make our common country the United States Independent indeed, not of one only, but of all the nations upon earth. As I cannot but despair of ever seeing you here, I shall be compelled to visit Boston before I end my days, that once more I may have the pleasure of passing some hours with you. If you are in correspondence with Gen. Whipple, be so kind as to remember me to him with great affection.

The principle design of this letter is to request your good offices with the house of Tracy in Newbury to receive under their patronage and mercantile tuition Master George Lee a son of my dear deceased brother Thomas Lee. This youth is in his fifteenth year, very diligent in his studies, and of fine disposition, his mother would breed him to commerce, and the house of Tracy is recommended to her as the best in America.

We shall be very thankful for knowing from you whether Messrs. Traceys will receive Master Lee into their Counting House, and upon what terms. Your letter being sent to my brother Dr. Lee at Philadelphia will be quickly & safely conveyed to me. Retired absolutely to private life I am now busied in the important concern of taking care of a large family. Taking care of, and providing for nine children is really a very important concern. But in every situation of life I shall certainly be my dear Sir

your faithful friend and affectionate Servant

Richard Henry Lee