To George Washington from Major Henry Lee, Jr., 23 November 1778
From Major Henry Lee, Jr.
Croton [N.Y.] No. 23d 78.
Sir.
I have the honor of your Excellency’s letr of the 21st instt.1 I assure you sir, the subject matter of it being entirely new to me, afforded much surprize.
Mr Washington having unfortunately lost his charger, I supplyed him with one belonging to the Corps.
This horse is very elegant, and still in his service.
I have since communicated your Excellencys letr, and am informed, that the request is in consequence of a letter of patronage from Mr Washington’s father to your Excellency, transmitted to Headquarters by favor of General Woodford.2
I presume this letter and the appetites common to young officers of Mr Washingtons vivacity have produced the application. I have the honor to be, sir with inviolable attachment your Excellency’s most obt hum: servant
Heny Lee jr
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. This letter has not been found, but see GW to George Augustine Washington, 21 November.
2. No letter on this subject to GW from his brother Charles, the father of George Augustine Washington, has been found.