71From 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...
72To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 13 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have reason to hope that the Congress will unembarrass the negotiation of the Commissioners with respect to a general exchange of Prisoners of all matter which I myself think foreign to the purpose, and that I shall be soon at liberty to take an active post—but I cou’d wish that They wou’d be a little more expeditious—tho We cannot expect expedition from democratic councils—it is a curse...
73From 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...
74To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 28 April 1778 (Washington Papers)
You may better imagine than I can express the happiness which your letter gave me, tho at the time I receiv’d it, which was the night before last, there was some little drawback on my happiness—viz. a small attack of the gout, with indications of it’s being a severe fit, but by three doses of what Lord Chatham calls the great American Panacea, I find myself so much better and the indications...
75From 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...
76To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 May 1778 (Washington Papers)
I observ’d before to your Excellency that the merit and strong recommendations of sevral of the Foreign Gentlemen now Candidates for commissions in the American Service, but above all a deference and respect for a Court and Nation for the generous part They have ⟨ mutilated ⟩ted renders it incumbent on the Congress to make ⟨fav⟩ourable satisfactory provision particularly for the French—on the...
77To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 15 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
As your time must necessarily be taken up by more and a greater variety of busyness than perhaps ever was impos’d on the Shoulders of any one Mortal, the most clear simple and agreeable method of communicating my sentiments on any matters of importance must certainly be by throwing em on paper. You will have more leisure to weigh and consider the stregnth or weakness of my arguments—and I...
78From 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...
79To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 18 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
1st As the Enemy are suppos’d already to have transported their stores &cc. over the River—and as Philadelphia is peculiarly circumstancd to secure their rear from any considerable annoyance—an attack upon ’em coud answer no important end altho ever so successfull, but perhaps might furnish a pretext for setting fire to that noble City—I shoud therefore think any attack upon ’em highly...
80To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 22 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
About eleven miles from Head Quarters and eight miles from this Camp is a most admirable position for the whole Army either in two or one line—it’s left is coverd by Stony Brook—it’s front Clear, excepting to the front of the right where is a strong wood and mill dam where it will be proper to throw a brigade a strong Brigade or two shoud occupy likewis a Wood on the right—it’s situation is...
81To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 25 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
When I first assented to the Marquis of Fayette’s taking the command of the present detachment, I confess I viewd it in a very different light than I do at present I considerd it as a more proper busyness of a Young Volunteering General than of the Second in command in the Army—but I find that it is considerd in a different manner; They say that a Corps consisting of six thoushand Men, the...
82From 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...
83To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 27 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I did not receive your order to halt until the head of the Detachment was within a mile of English Town Creek —I immediately halted on the receipt—indeed it was not my intention to proceed further than the first brook or Water—I have taken a tolerable strong Post in the wood where I shall wait for further orders—unless the expediency of making some movement is so forcible as to oblige me—I the...
84To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
From the knowledge I have of your Excys character—I must conclude that nothing but the misinformation of some very stupid, or misrepresentation of some very wicked person coud have occasioned your making use of so very singular expressions as you did on my coming up to the ground where you had taken post —They implyed that I was guilty either of disobedience of orders, of want of conduct, or...
85From 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...
86To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
I beg your Excellency’s pardon for the inaccuracy in misdating my letter —you cannot afford me greater pleasure than in giving me the opportunity of shewing to America the sufficiency of her respective servants—I trust that temporary power of office and the tinsel dignity attending it will not be able by all the mists they can raise to affuscate the bright rays of truth, in the mean time your...
87To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 30 June 1778 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of addressing my letter by Col. Fitzgerald to your Excellency I have reflected on both your situation and mine, and beg leave to observe that it will be for our mutual convenience that a Court of inquiry should be immediately ordered—but I could wish it might be a court martial—for if the affair is drawn into length it may be difficult to collect the necessary evidences,...
88From 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....
89George 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.
90To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 15 September 1778 (Washington Papers)
As I understand the Army is soon to move and it certainly will be very awkward for a Man in my circumstances to be oblig’d to attend it, I shall think my self very much oblig’d to your Excellency for permission to go to Philadelphia, I shou’d not be so desirous of this indulgence, if I had not been made to believe that it yet may be a considerable time, before my affair is brought to a final...
91From 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...
92To George Washington from Charles Lee, 24 December 1778 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Butler (whose letter Your Excellency had the kindness to transmit to me) is one of the oldest and dearest Friends I have in the world—my duty to so staunch a Friend, my inclinations and my interests concur to make me ardently desirous of having an interview with him before He embarks for England—I believe this Gentleman has an intention to purchase and settle in America—with your leave...
93From 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...
94To John Jay from Charles Lee, 27 February 1779 (Jay Papers)
The negative put by Congress on my request to avail myself of Capt Tolty’s friendship and Sir Henry Clintons kindness throws me into the most serious distress—when I wrote from Elizabeth Town to Colonel Butler on this subject supposing him to be at N. York, I had reason to believe that the only difficulty I shoud have to combat with woud arise from Sir Henry Clinton, not from Congress, as I...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Charles Lee, 7 August 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act of the Commonwealth of Virginia “for calling in and redeeming the Money now in circulation, and for emitting and funding new bills of Credit according to the resolution of Congress of the 18th. of March last,” has been submitted to the consideration of the Board, and is ordered to remain in this Office for their Direction. They are happy in informing you that the States of New...
96From 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,...
97To George Washington from Charles Lee, 13 September 1786 (Washington Papers)
This is accompanied with instruments of writing which I hope you will find agreeable to your intentions. Mr Lund Washington is said not to have qualified as exr of Manley in which case he need not be a party to the deed but I conceive it necessary that he should in open court renounce the execution thereof and that his renunciation should be recorded if already this has not been done—After...
98To George Washington from Charles Lee, 23 February 1788 (Washington Papers)
A bill drawn on you by the Treasurer of the James River Company for sixty five pounds balance of the requisitions accompanied with the account has been transmitted to me which I have the honour to enclose. Please to inform me when and to whom application is to be made for payment. With every consideration of respect and esteem I remain your most obed. sert ALS , DLC:GW . In August 1785 GW...
99From 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...
100To George Washington from Charles Lee, 11 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive by post your letter inclosing a certificate for sixty nine pounds a moity of what was due for a slave executed in 1781 and I have endeavoured to negotiate it but I find the terms so disadvantageous to you that I have retained it for your further directions. The value of all the state certificates depends upon the laws of taxation & revenue and as tobacco is...
101To George Washington from Charles Lee, 17 April 1788 (Washington Papers)
Since writing my last I have exchanged your warrant for £69 payable in the aggregate fund for warrants payable in the present taxes as well as the arrears and this being done upon equal terms is an advantage to you. If you choose to apply these to the payment of your taxes for the year 1787, in case there remain any such taxes to be paid by you, I will retain them till an opportunity shall...
102From 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...
103To George Washington from Charles Lee, 14 May 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received your Letter covering one to Mr John Hopkins to whom I have delivered it. The warrants in my hands not being receivable in discharge of the claims of the James River Company have been deposited in Mr Hopkin’s hands as you directed. He informs me (and he is right in my opinion) that the securities you enclosed to him will not answer in the payment of your taxes for 1785 & 1786...
104To George Washington from Charles Lee, 29 October 1788 (Washington Papers)
For a few days past the Assembly has been engaged upon the subject of the federal constitution: The house of delegates in committee has come to several resolutions with respect to putting it into operation. One of them distributes the commonwealth into ten districts each of which is to choose a representative in Congress, and another appoints that there shall be twelve districts each of which...
105To George Washington from Charles Lee, 3 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having long served as the custom house officer of South Patowmack and I trust with the approbation of my country, I have been induced to express my wishes to be reappointed in the same department least my silence should be misunderstood. I pray leave at this time to mention Mr Richard Marshall Scott as a person from long experience in this line of business capable and deserving of any office...
106To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 11 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, October 11, 1789. On November 3, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October.” Letter not found. ] Lee was collector of customs at Alexandria.
107Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs, 15 October 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
There is a species of information, which it will be convenient to you to obtain and which will be of important use to the Government: it respects the mode of Navigating of the several States; and of Foreign Nations. With a view to which I have framed a number of Queeries, to which as speedily as the requisite enquiries can be made, I request answers. Thought I do not consider it as a part of...
108From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 3 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 3, 1789. “I observe by your Letter of the 11th. of October last, that the Registers for Vessells … had not come to hand.… Be kind Enough to inform me in your next, whether you have yet received them.” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Alexandria, Letters Received from the Secretary, National Archives.
109From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 17 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, November 17, 1789. “Several of the Officers of the different Ports within your State, have applied at this Office for Registers for Vessels. I find that there was a Delay in your receiving those which were forwarded to you.… As I presume however that all, which have been forwarded, have now come to hand, I am to request your Attention (if not already done) in distributing...
110To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 21 November 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon the River Powtomack there are five Collectorships, two in Maryland and three in Virginia. I will forbear to give my opinion till more mature consideration, what alterations ought to be made, but, at present I can venture to say that they are not all necessary, either for mercantile convenience, or for the better collection of the revenue. The distance from Georgetown to Alexandria is...
111To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 6 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, December 6, 1789. On December 18, 1789, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have received your Letter of the 6th instant.” Letter not found. ]
112From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 18 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, December 18, 1789 . “I have received your Letter of the 6th instant, with the laws of Virginia accompanying it.…” LS , RG 36, Collector of Customs at Alexandria, Letters Received from the Secretary, 1789–1795, National Archives. Letter not found. H had requested the revenue laws of each state in “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” November 25,...
113To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 24 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Alexandria [ Virginia ] December 24, 1789 . “… Having sent a copy of your queries to some of the principal merchants in this state, I have the answer of one of them Mr. Alexander Donald of Richmond, this Gentleman formerly and since the American Independence has been extensively engaged in the Commerce of this State, and I take the liberty to enclose his letter as one containing a description...
114To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 30 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of instruction upon the subject of calculating the duties, accompanied with the opinions of counsel concerning the fees under the coasting law. As to the former the practice of my office has corresponded with your directions since the receipt of the form of making quarterly returns. As to the latter the opinion of the learned Counsel agree with my own and according...
115To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 31 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, December 31, 1789. On February 12, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “Your letter of the 31st. of December came duly to hand.” Letter not found. ]
116To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 31 December 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
The people here concerned in trade have been long accustomed to a due execution of Impost laws and have been in the habit of punctuality in payment of their duties so that I hope there will seldom be occasion to apply to legal remedies. Your instruction as expressed in your letter to me of the 18th. Instant shall be duly obeyed. A Vessel which was Registered in Rhode Island in the year 1787...
117To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 8 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your Circular letter of the 23rd December Ultimo. and have the satisfaction to find your opinion on the several points therein stated corresponds with what has already been done in my Office as occasion has required except with regard to Vessels going in Ballast for an outward cargo or to finish her load of an outward Cargo, from one District into another and in such cases I...
118To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 15 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Alexandria, Virginia, January 15, 1790. On February 18, 1790, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “Your Letter of the 15th of January last duly came to hand.” Letter not found. ]
119To Alexander Hamilton from Charles Lee, 29 January 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The amount of my fees under the collection law from the 1st. of August 1789 to the 1st. of Jany 1790 $294.40 Amount of my fees, under the coasting law within the same period } 46.40 Amount of my Commissions, on the sums paid, within the same period } 23.42 364.22 Having stated above the gross amount of the emoluments of my office suffer me to add an account of the charges which have been...
120From Alexander Hamilton to Charles Lee, 12 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, February 12, 1790. “Your letter of the 31st. of December came duly to hand. A vessel partly the property of Citizens of Rhode Island can neither be registered as, nor admitted to the privileges of an American bottom.…” Copy, RG 56, Letters to Collectors at Small Ports, “Set G,” National Archives. Letter not found.