George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Major General Charles Lee, 4 May 1776

From Major General Charles Lee

Williamsburg May the 4th 1776

Dr General

I am just return’d from Suffolk and the Posts below, and the Post is just going out; so that this must rather be consider’d as an apology for not writing than as a letter—in a few days I shall set out for Carolina, but before I set out shall send you a full description of our state and situation1—We want arms Medcines and blankets most cruelly indeed We want some Battalions—I wish, Dr General You woud prevail on the Congress to increase the pay of our Engineers—it is too wretched—no Men qualify’d for the buszness will serve on the terms—inclosd is an uncouth return of our force2—adieu, Dr General—Yours respectfully and affectionately

Charles Lee

ALS, DLC:GW.

1See Lee to GW, 10 May 1776. For Lee’s trip to Suffolk and the other posts, see Landon Carter to GW, 9 May 1776, and note 10.

2Lee’s return has not been identified.

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