Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Jefferson

Being thus far on my way up the country I have received a letter by post from Phila., in which a Member of Congress thus expresses himself "there is undoubtedly a capital embarkation on foot (meaning from N. York) I fear for Savannah, Charles Town,

or your Neighborhood." I could not omit giving you this intelligence, that witht. alarming, measures may be taken to prevent injurious surprize, and to be in the best possible posture to prevent insult - I have always been of opinion that if part of the french fleet did not winter here that our enemies, rather than remain inactive at N. York this winter, would attempt something Southward, in order to get a better peace, if peace was their object, or if war was their design, to raise the national pulse by some successful stroke - Since the evacuation of R. Island, I understand the whole force at N. York to be between 12 & 16 thousand men - Of these they may spare 6000 to try experiments - I am dear Sir

sincerely yours.

Richard Henry Lee