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Letter from General Lee to Samuel Purviance

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GENERAL LEE TO SAMUEL PURVIANCE.

Williamsburgh, April 6, 1776.

DEAR SIR: I know not to whom I can address this most important note with so much propriety and assurance of success, as to yourself. The crisis will not admit of ceremony and procrastination. I shall, therefore, irregularly address

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you in the language, and with the spirit, of one bold, determined, free citizen to another, and conjure you, as you value the liberties and rights of the community of which you are a member, not to lose a moment, and, in my name, (if my name is of consequence enough,) to direct the commanding officer of your troops at Annapolis immediately to seize the person of Governour Eden. The sin and blame be on my head. I will answer for all to the Congress. The justice and necessity of the measure will be best explained by the packet transmitted to you by the Committee of Safety from this place.

God Almighty give us wisdom and vigour in this hour of trial.

Adieu, dear sir. Yours, most sincerely,

CHARLES LEE.

To Samuel Purviance, Esq˙, Chairman of the Committee, Baltimore.

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