Lee, Richard Henry; Francis Lewis; William Whipple, all Signers of the Declaration of Independence

Autograph letter in Lee's hand signed by all three ("Richard Henry Lee" "Fran: Lewis" "Wm. Whipple"), 1 page (6 3/4 x 8 in.; 172 x 204 mm), "In secret committee" [Philadelphia], 7 January 1777, to Samuel and Robert Purviance (here "Purveyance," in Baltimore); formerly folded, ink corrosion touching 1 letter, 2 tiny mends, lightly browned. Blue half-morocco drop-box, gilt-stamped title on spine.

Not in the Ballagh edition (1911) of Lee's letters.

The Committee of Secret Correspondence arranges for clandestine discharge of cargo to supply the Continent.

The Committee was established by Congress to communicate with sympathetic Europeans and was responsible for arranging the secret shipment of supplies from France before that country was willing to openly declare war. This note, written by Lee and signed by three Signers, is directed to their marine agents in Maryland, informing them: "We expect the Brig Friendship will soon be up, and we request that you will have her discharged of her Cargo as quickly as possible and the same well secured for the use of the Continent - you will herewith receive the bill of lading."