Letter from Thomas Lynch to General Washington

v4:218

December 8, 1775.

DEAR SIR: Your favour, by Captain Blewer, gives me infinite concern, not less on yours than on the account of the Continent. Providence favours us every where. Our success in every operation exceeds our most sanguine expectations; and yet when God is ready to deliver our oppressors into our hands, that men cannot be found willing to receive them is truly surprising.

With grief and shame it must be confessed that the whole blame lies not with the army. You will find your hands straitened instead of strengthened. What the event will be, it is impossible to foresee. Perhaps it is only intended to force the Continent into their own terms, and to show that neither General or Congress shall be permitted to control the army; perhaps to mortify the favourites of Congress. Be this as it may, resolution and firmness ought to rule our councils; a step yielded to improper and intemperate demands may be irretrievable.

I shall not take upon me to advise; it is as improper as it is needless. Your riflemen, negroes, and deserters, may, in proper passes, defend your artillery, ammunition, and stores. Should your lines be deserted, and the glorious golden opportunity of ending the war be lost, let not hope be lost also. We have, in the York papers, an account of your having taken an invaluable transport, and you have doubtless heard of Arnold' s arrival at Quebec. I hope both may end as we wish. The addition of arms and ammunition in the transport, according to report, must be most important to you. O! had you but an army.

My best compliments to your lady and family, and to all my acquaintance in the army. I told General Gales, Mifflin, and others, I should be much obliged to them could they send me a good drummer. They have forgot me.

One of our members of Congress sets out to-day for New-England. Whether his intents be wicked or not, I doubt much; he should be watched. Ship news, that the Floridas have been taken; but it is not credited. If true, I have no doubt but that it is with the consent of our court. God give you health and spirits to control all opposition.

Your sincere friend and most humble servant,

THOMAS LYNCH.

To General Washington.

P˙ S˙ Command me freely, whenever you please.