Letter from General Lee to General Washington

v4:695

Hartford, January 16, 1776.

DEAR GENERAL: Major French, whom I have met with at Hartford, is extremely solicitous for permission to return home, as he is confident that his whole fortunes depend upon his being immediately on the spot with his friends at this instant. As he is, I believe, a man of strict honour, his parole not to serve for a given time against the freedom of America, would be sufficient security; and as he has a family to provide for, it would certainly be humane and charitable to indulge him, nor can I see any inconvenience which would attend the indulgence; there may be some objections which do not, perhaps, occur to me, but I could wish for my own part, that as so much depends upon it, he might be gratified; however, I beg you will excuse my submitting the matter to your consideration.

I am, dear General, your most obedient humble servant.

CHARLES LEE.

To His Excellency General Washington.