from the army, because I strenuously applied for being employed in the field; it is the first instance, I believe, of such an application being reckoned criminal. I am, with much regard, sir, your most obedient humble servant, Col. RICHARD HENRY LEE, THOMAS CONWAY. CAMP AT WHITE PLAINS, August 17th, 1778. SIR-I received both letters you honoured me with, dated 15th of February, and 23d of March, last past, but rather late, the first came to hand the 20th of May, and the second in June. A long sickness, the march of the army when I was yet very unwell, and a good deal of business since my recovery, have prevented me from answering before now. You are much in the right, sir, to think that the change in political matters, must place your independence beyond all doubt, and far beyond the power of England to disturb; I heartily rejoice with you and all true Americans, on the occasion. It is to be expected, also, the alliance with France and the real assistance the king intends to the states, must needs procure you a speedy and lasting peace. This day I wrote to President Laurens, in favour of Mons. le Vicomte de Mauray and Mons. le Chev. de Fayolles, which will be laid before the supreme council of the states. I need not to trouble you with the contents of it. I will only observe to you, that I am ordered to do the same by Marshal Duke de Broglie, and the count, his brother, and as they expect my answer, on that account, I should be greatly obliged to you, if you would be pleased to let me have the reasons for, or against, as the matter will be debated in Congress, and to be very particular in that respect. Though I ardently wish Mons. de Mauray's request be granted, yet I am afraid it will not, by reason of a letter he wrote, as I understood, to Congress, not very acceptable. If he is refused on that account, I should be glad to have it mentioned, because I think his noble protectors, are unacquainted with this piece of bad policy of his. I have the honour to be, with great respect and esteem, dear sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant, Col. RICHARD HENRY LEE, Delegate in Congress. WILMINGTON, August 13, 1778. SIR-I am arrived here these two days, with all the cavalry, and expecting the infantry in four, will present myself with my corps to the Congress, to pass the review in the end of this month, and pursue the enemy immediately after. I should have been very glad to be ready sooner; but I hope every body shall be persuaded, that it is not the business of one day, to raise and form a corps. However, I heard the honourable Congress don't seem to be much satisfied with my application: I can't guess what may be the reason of it, for I always did all in my power to prove to them, that honour, and a true desire of distinguishing myself in defence of liberty, was always the only motive which fired my breast, for the cause of the United States. I do trust myself enough in your knowledge, to be in hopes, that you'll be kind enough to support me against the false preventions which might have been made against me. I am, with respect, sir, Your most humble and obedient servant, Hon. Colonel LEE, Esq. P. S. Captain Baldesqui, paymaster of my legion, who will deliver you my letter, is acquainted with all the particulars of the legion's business; you may know any thing from him. BRISTOL, Sept. 16, 1777. SIR-I am unable to tell you, with how much reluctance and even sorrow, I must acquaint you, that I cannot accept of the honour Congress intended to me, for the various reasons I explained to you, sir, to several members of Congress, but more particularly to Mr. Lovell, and which I repeat to Mr. Secretary Thomson, they are all of great weight with me. I beseech you, dear sir, to lay before Congress, that I have, and always shall retain the highest sense of thankfulness and veneration, for the whole of so respectable a body of men, and for each of the members in particular. My most sincere vows will ever be, for success to all their measures and undertakings, and for the general welfare and happiness of your states. I will never forget the private obligations I owe to several of your gentlemen, but especially to your kindness to me. I never will be happier than when I shall hear from you, or when I shall be able to convince you of the esteem and respect, with which I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient, And most humble servant, THE BARON DE KALB. The Hon. Colonel RICHARD HENRY LEE, VOL. I.-P P NUMBER X. Letter from the Count De Grasse, to Richard Henry Lee. Je m'empresse, Monsieur, de vous faire passer toutes les expressions de ma reconnoissance, tout au sujet des choses flatteuses et obligeantes que vous voulez bien me dire dans la lettre dont vous m'avéz honoré, qu'au sujet des differentes provisions, et rafraichissements que vous avez eu la bonte de m'envoyer. Faites moi je vous prie l'amitie de croire que mon plus grand regret en quittant ces parages, sera de n'avoir pas êté assez heureux pour vous faire mes remesciments de vive voix et faire avec vous, une connaissance personnelle et particuliere. Chargez vous, si'l vous plait, Monsieur, de presenter les temoignages de ma gratitude à ceux de vos compatriotes qui eut bien vouleé contribuer à la marque d'amitié que vous m'avez donné, et croyez que la reconnaissance que j'en conserverai sera aussi durable que l'attachement sincere avec lequel j'ai l'honeur d'étre, Monsieur, Votre tres humble ettres obeissante serviteur, Abord de la Ville de Paris, le Jy 8vre. 1781. LE COMTE DE GRASSE. [TRANSLATION.] I hasten, Sir, to transmit you every expression of thankfulness, as well for the flattering and obliging expressions you have been pleased to use in the letter with which you honoured me, as for the variety of provisions and refreshments, which you have had the goodness to send me. Do me the favour, I entreat you, to believe, that my greatest regret at quitting this country, will be, the not having been so happy as to have returned you my thanks in person, and to have made a personal and particular acquaintance with you. Be pleased, Sir, to testify my gratitude to those of your country |