1Instructions to Major General Charles Lee, 8 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
Having undoubted Intelligence of the fitting out of a Fleet at Boston, and of the Imbarkation of Troops from thence, which from the Season of the year, & other Circumstances must be destined for a Southern Expedition—and having such Information as I can rely on, that the Inhabitants (or great part of them) on Long Island in the Colony of New York are not only Inemical to the Rights and...
2From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 23 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 16 Instt & am exceedingly sorry to hear, that Congress countermanded the embarkation of the two Regiments Intended agt the Tories on Long Island. they I doubt not had their reasons; But to me It appears that the period is arrived, when nothing less than the most decisive & vigorous measures should be pursued—Our Enemies from the other side of the Atlantic will be...
3From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you the 23 Inst. & then Informed you that Genl Clinton had gone upon some expedition with 4 or 500 men; there is good reason to beleive that Tryon has applied for some Troops, & that he would join them with a great number of Inhabitants, so that you will see the necessity of your being decisive & expeditious in your operations in that Quarter—The Tories should be disarmed Immediately,...
4From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 10 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was very sorry to find by your Letter of the 29th Ulto which is the last I have received from you, that you were confined by the Gout; but having had some casual acct of your Moving on, I expect you have, e’er this, settled some Plan with the Committee of Congress for your Operation’s at New York &ca, & therefore, any direction of mine would be unseasonable. If the Asia Man of War lay in the...
5From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 22 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I fully expected by the Two last Posts to have received your favours, with an account of the measures you have been & are pursuing for the defence of New York, & of such Occurrences as you might have thought worthy of Notice; As I did not, nor got several other Letters which I expected, I cannot but suppose, they have been Intercepted at some of the Offices, or by some Accident prevented...
6From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 26 February 1776 (Washington Papers)
I received your esteemed favor of the 14th Instant, which gave me great pleasure being impatient to hear from you—I rejoice to find that you are getting better, & Coud not avoid Laughing at Capt. Parkers reasons for not putting his repeated threats into execution. I take notice of your intended dispositions for defence, which I request you will loose no time in putting into execution—as from...
7From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 14 March 1776 (Washington Papers)
I am indebted to you for your three several favors of the 19th & 29th of Feby & 3d March, which I should have acknowledg’d sooner had not the great hurry & bustle we have been in for several days past prevented—You have doubtless heard before this time of our being in possession of Dorchester Hill, which important business was executed in one Night without any loss—The Enemy were thrown into...
8From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 9 May 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 5th Ulto from Williamsburg (the first I have receivd from you since you left this City) came to my hands by the last Post. I thank you for your kind congratulations on our Possession of Boston—I thank you also for your good wishes in our future operation’s—and hope that every diabolical attempt to deprive Mankind of their Inherent Rights and Priviledges, whether made in the...
9From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 12 August 1776 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding I shall probably feel the effect, I do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you on your victory over Clinton and the British Squadron at Sullivans Island—A victory undoubtedly it is, when an Enemy are drub’d, and driven from a Country they were sent to Conquer—such is the case of Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, who are now with the Fleet & Army at Staten Island, where Genl...
10Instructions to Major General Charles Lee, 10 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
The late movement of the Enemy, and the probability of their having designs upon the Jerseys (confirmd by Sundry accts from Deserters & Prisoners) rendering it necessary to throw a body of Troops over the North River, I shall immediately follow, & the Command of the Army which remains (after Genl Heaths Division Moves to Pecks kiln’s) devolving upon you, I have to request[:] That you will be...
11From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 12 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a Copy of Sundry Resolutions of Congress, which came to hand since I left the Plains. They will discover to you their Opinion as to the necessity of taking the most early measures to levy the New Army. The Resolves cannot have any Operation but in the instance of the Rhode-Island Regiments, Commissioners having come from the States of Massachusets & Connecticut and...
12From George Washington to Major Generals Charles Lee and William Heath, 14 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
As an Exchange of Prisoners, is likely to take effect, as soon as the circumstance of the case will admit, and as, in the course of the transaction, it may possibly happen, that an attempt may be made by the Enemy to redeem their prisoners by men in their possession, who were never ingag’d in our service, I must request you, to direct the Colonels, or Commanders of Regiments under your...
13From George Washington to Major Generals Charles Lee and William Heath, 16–17 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the inclosed Resolves, that Congress have entered into some New regulations respecting the Inlistment of the New Army, and reprobating the measures adopted by the State of Massachusetts Bay for raising their Quota of Men. As every possible exertion should be used for recruiting the Army as speedily as may be, I request that you immediately publish in Orders that an...
14From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 21 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
It must be painful to you as well as to us to have no News to send you but of a melancholy Nature. Yesterday Morning the Enemy landed a large Body of Troops below Dobb’s Ferry & advanced very rapidly to the Fort called by your Name. I immediately went over & as the Fort was not tenable on this side & we in a narrow Neck of Land the passes out of wch the Enemy were attempting to sieze directed...
15From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 24 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
By the negligent and infamous conduct of the post rider, the Eastern Mail of Friday was brought to Heckensec and there stopped to fall into the hands of the Enemy. Supposing it may have contained some Letters from you of a public nature, I have thought it proper to give you the earliest notice, that you may guard against any advantages the Enemy may expect to derive from the Accident. I...
16From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 24 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you this morning of the probability, that some of your letters, to me, had fall’n with the mail into the enemy’s hands; My apprehensions on that head, have been since confirmed. By direct intelligence from their camp, I am informed that a letter from you, is confidently said to have come to their hands, & that measures are taking to intercept your march; To prevent them from effecting...
17From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 27 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received the favor of your Letter of the 25th. My former Letters were so full and explicit as to the necessity of your marching as early as possible, that it is unnecessary to add more on that Head. I confess I expected you would have been sooner in motion. The force here when joined by yours, will not be adequate to any great opposition, at present it is weak, and it has been...
18From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 29 November 1776 (Washington Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 26th: Your Letters to Governor Trumbull for a reinforcement of Militia were exceedingly proper, though I doubt much whether they can be obtained, as they have suffered many inconveniences in the course of the present Campaign; Nor was the application to Mr Bowdoin for Cloaths &c. less necessary. I am happy to hear the Men discover so much readiness to...
19From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee. Lee wrote in his second letter to GW of 8 Dec. : “Major Hoops has just deliver’d to me your Excellencys letter,” and on that same date GW wrote Hancock: “I have no certain intelligence of Genl Lee, although I have sent frequent Expresses to him and lately a Colo. Humpton to bring me some accurate Accounts of his situation. I last night dispatched...
20From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 1 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
The Enemy are advanci[n]g & have got as far as Woodbridge and Amboy, and from information not to be doubted mean to push to Philadelphia. The force I have with me, is infinitely inferior in number and such as cannot give or promise the least successfull opposition. It is greatly reduced by the departure of the Maryland flying Camp men and Sundry other causes. I must entreat you to hasten your...
21From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 2 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 2 Dec. 1776. GW wrote Lee on 3 Dec. : “Having wrote you fully both Yesterday and to day of my situation, It is unnecessary for me to add much at this time.”
22From George Washington to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 3 December 1776 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Maj. Gen. Charles Lee, 3 Dec. 1776. GW wrote Lee on this date : “Having wrote you fully both Yesterday and to day of my situation, It is unnecessary for me to add much at this time.”
23From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 3 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I was just now favoured with your Letter of the 30th Ulto. Having wrote you fully both Yesterday and to day of my situation, It is unnecessary for me to add much at this time. You will readily agree that I have sufficient cause for my anxiety, and to wish for your arrival as early as possible. In respect to instructions or your Route, you must be governed by circumstances, this has been the...
24From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 10 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor by Colo. Humpton & were it not for the weak and feeble state of the force I have, I should highly approve of your hanging on the Rear of the Enemy and establishing the Post you mention; But when my situation is directly opposite to what you suppose it to be, and when Genl Howe is pressing forward with the whole of his Army except the Troops that were lately...
25From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 11 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 8 Inst. by the Light Horseman reached me last night. Having wrote you fully respecting my situation just before it came to hand, it is unnecess[ar]y to add much now; I shall only say that Philadelphia beyond all question is the Object of the Enemy’s movements and that nothing less than our utmost exertions will be sufficient to prevent Genl Howe from possessing it. The force...
26From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 14 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your Letter of the 11th Instt by Major Dehart. I am much surprized that you should be in any doubt respecting the Route you should take after the information you have had upon that Head as well by Letter as from Majr Hoops who was dispatched for the purpose. A large number of Boats was procured and is still retained at Tinnicum under a strong guard to facil[it]ate your...
27From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 29 December 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosing you a Letter from your Freind Robt Morris Esqr. with a draft on Major Small for £116.9.3. S⟨tg⟩. It will afford me the highest satisfaction to receive a Line from you, informing me of the State of your Health and your Situation, in both of which I hope you are as happy as a person under your Circumstances can possibly be. Such further Supplies as you may have...
28From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 16 February 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received the favor of your Letter of the 9th Instt on Friday night about 10 OClock. It was accompanied by One for the Congress & by several Others, the whole of which were transmitted by an Express the next morning, whom I directed to proceed without delay. Mr Eustace being in Virginia and Mr Bradford at Rhode Island, I cannot comply with your request respecting them. Mr Morris who was your...
29From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 1 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
I am to inform you, that Congress not perceiving that any advantage would be derived either to yourself or the public Interest from an interview between you and a part of their Members, could not consider ⟨them⟩selves at liberty to comply with your request. At the same time I am to assure you, that every ⟨means⟩ will be pursued to provide for you⟨r safety and⟩ the attainment of your liberty....
30George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 4 July 1777 (Hamilton Papers)
Morristown [ New Jersey ] July 4, 1777. Discusses Drummond’s breach of parole. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress. Lee was a prisoner of the British in New York City. Lord James Drummond.
31From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 4 July 1777 (Washington Papers)
I received your favour of the 7th June, in which you enter into consideration of the breach of parole imputed to Lord Drummond; and give it as your opinion, that his conduct has not been such as to justify the imputation. It can answer no valuable purpose to enter into a discussion of the particulars of this affair, which would probably end as it began and leave his Lordship and myself in the...
32From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 27 January 1778 (Washington Papers)
I last night received your favor of the 30th Ulto. It gave me great pleasure to hear that you were released from your confined situation and permitted so many indulgencies. You may rest assured that I feel myself very much interested in your welfare, and that every exertion has been used on my part to effect your Exchange. This I have not been able to accomplish, However from the Letters which...
33From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 22 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
Mr Boudinot, at Comy Lorings request, met at German town yesterday; from whence he is just returned, after having agreed on a final exchange of yourself and other Officers with that Gentleman. That delay may not produce danger, I shall send in a flag tomorrow for your parole—when obtained, I shall most cordially, and sincerely, congratulate you on your restoration to your Country, and to the...
34From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 May–18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Poors, Varnums, & Huntingtons Brigades are to March in one division under your Command to the North River. The Quarter Master General will give you the rout, Incampments, & halting days to which you will conform as strictly as possible to prevent interfering with other Troops and that I may know precisely your situation every day. Leave as few sick & lame on the road as possible such as are...
35From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter of this date, and thank you, as I shall do any Officer over whom I have the honor to be placed for his opinion and advice, in matters of importance; especially when they proceed from the fountain of candor, & not from a captious spirit, or an itch for criticism. No man can be more sensible of the defects of our present arrangement than I am—No man more sensible of...
36From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 26 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your uneasiness, on account of the command of yesterday’s detachment, fills me with concern, as it is not in my power, fully, to remove it without wounding the feelings of the Marquiss de la Fayette—I have thought of an expedient, which though not quite equal to either of your views, may in some measure answer both; and that is to make another detachment from this Army for the purpose of...
37From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter (dated thro’ mistake the 1st of July) expressed as I conceive, in terms highly improper. I am not conscious of having made use of any very singular expressions at the time of my meeting you, as you intimate. What I recollect to have said, was dictated by duty and warranted by the occasion. As soon as circumstances will permit, you shall have an opportunity, either of...
38From George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your letter by Colo. Fitzgerald and also one of this date have been duly received. I have sent Colo. Scammel, the Adjutant General to put you in arrest, who will deliver you a copy of the charges on which you will be tryed. I am Sir Yr most obt servt Copy, in James McHenry’s writing, DLC:GW ; Varick transcript , DLC:GW . See Lee’s second (misdated 28 June) and third letters to GW of this date....
39George Washington to Major General Charles Lee, 15 September 1778 (Hamilton Papers)
[ White Plains, New York ] September 15, 1778 . Grants Lee’s request to go to Philadelphia. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers, Library of Congress.
40From George Washington to Charles Lee, 16 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received Yesterday the Inclosed Letter from Colol Butler; with one addressed to myself. As far as the interview requested depends on my concurrence there will be no objection; and whatever place may be thought proper for the purpose, will be agreable to me. I would add, however, if you meet Colonel Butler, that Elizabeth Town point appears to me most convenient for the occasion. I am sir Yr...
41From George Washington to Charles Lee, 26 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
I received your favor of the 24th and have transmitted Your Letter for Colo. Butler to General Maxwell, with directions to send it to him immediately by a flag. As some delay might arise from Colo. Butler’s writing to me upon the occasion, I have requested him to advise Genl Maxwell of the day he appoints for the interview, who will inform you, when you arrive at Elizabeth Town—and furnish the...
42From George Washington to Charles Lee, 20 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
My Servant did not return with your letter, and the Papers therewith, until Nine o’clock last Night; so that I have scarcely had time to read the several Conveyances—In that from Mr & Mrs Dulany to me there is a capitol error. the Land held by the deceased Mr French, under the Proprietors Deed to Stephens and Violet, is no part of the Land exchanged. The original grant to Spencer & Washington,...
43From George Washington to Charles Lee, 4 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I am very sorry that I have not yet been able to discharge my acct with the James River Company for the amount of which you presented me with an order. The almost total loss of my crop last year by the drought which has obliged me to purchace upwards of eight hundred Barrels of Corn, and my other numerous and necessary demands for cash, when I find it impossible to obtain what is due to me, by...
44From George Washington to Charles Lee, 27 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Your two favors of the 11th & 17th Inst. have been duly received—I am much obliged to you for the trouble which the negotiating the Certificate that I forwarded to you has given, and must further intrude upon you by requesting that you will dispose of the certificates which are in your hands to the best advantage and have the proceeds of them passed to my Credit with the James River Company—As...
45From George Washington to Charles Lee, 20 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your letter of the 12th. About Six hundred dollars may supply my wants between this and my arrival in Philadelphia. At present I have no immediate call. Mrs Washington and myself, during our stay at this place, will at all times be glad to see Mrs Lee & yourself, and other friends & acquaintances without ceremony. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt ALS (facsimile),...
46From George Washington to Charles Lee, 1793 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Charles Lee, 1793. An ADfS of this letter was offered for sale on 5 Dec. 1889 as item 334 in Bangs & Co., Catalogue of a Valuable Collection of Autographs. The catalog entry reads: “Written at Mt. Vernon. This is the first draft of the letter and is interesting, showing how careful Washington was to make corrections before sending off the clean copy.”
47From George Washington to Charles Lee, 27 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
If you will be so good as to let me know what I am indebted to you on acct of Colvills Estate—or any other—I will pay the money before I return, or leave the same for my manager to do. I am—Dr Sir Your obedt Servt ALS , DeHi . No reply has been found, but GW’s farm manager, William Pearce, recorded a payment of £28.09.9 to Lee on 3 July (Mount Vernon Accounts, 1794-1797).
48From George Washington to Charles Lee, 19 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Office of Attorney Genl of the U. States is not yet filled. The reason why it is not Genl Lee, at my request, will frankly relate to you. If you could make it convenient, and agreeable to yourself to accept it, I should derive pleasure therefrom, both from public & private considerations; being persuaded that the duties of the Office will be well executed, and because I should be much...
49From George Washington to Charles Lee, 6 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Having shewn you the answr of the French Minister, to the communication of the Secretary of State, relatively to the Capture of the Ship Mount Vernon, by the French Privateer Flying Fish. Having read you also, the contents of a Letter from —— respecting information from St Domingo, of the intended measures of the French government, to Harrass our commerce with Great Britain; and also my letter...
50From George Washington to Charles Lee, 14 November 1796 (Washington Papers)
This letter is for your eye only—It is written for the purpose of expressing my regret for your continued absence from the Seat of the Government. Rely upon it, it is productive of unpleasant remarks, in which I must be involved. It will, indeed is, considered as making a Sinecure of the Office. To suppose there is no particular occasion for the Law-Officer of the government at the Seat of it...