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Head-Quarters, Cambridge, July 11, 1775.
Gen˙ Lee' s compliments to Gen˙ Burgoyne. Would be extremely happy in the interview he so kindly proposed;
General Lee' s Letter Declining the Interview Proposed by General Burgoyne
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but as he perceives that General Burgoyne has already made up his mind on this great subject, and as it is impossible that he (General Lee) should ever alter his opinion, he is apprehensive that the interview might create those jealousies and suspicions so natural to a people struggling in the dearest of all causes, that of their liberty, property, wives, children, and their future generation. He must, therefore, defer the happiness of embracing a man whom he most sincerely loves, until the subversion of the present tyrannical Ministry and system, which he is persuaded must be in a few months, as he knows Great Britain cannot stand the contest. He begs General Burgoyne will send the letters which his Aid-de-Camp has for him. If Gardiner is his Aid-de-Camp, he desires his love to him.