Lee, Richard Henry

Autograph letter signed ("Richd. Heny. Lee"), 1 page (12 5/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 320 x 194 mm), Philadelphia, 14 November 1775, to Robert Carter (in Westmoreland County, Virginia), autograph address with franking signature ("Free | Richard Henry Lee") on verso, reception docket on verso; some browning, seal tears with minor loss, some pinholes at intersecting folds.

Not in Letters of Delegates, ed. Smith, and presumably unpublished

Writing as a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, Lee sends early news of the Canadian victories of General Robert Montgomery and General Philip Schuyler to a former colleague in Virginia: "This Moment authentic accounts came to Congress of the surrender of St. Johns with 600 Regular Troops & many Canadians, Nobility prisoner of war. Much military Stores, brass Cannon, powder &c. Previous to this surrender Gen. Carleton with 800 men marching to raise the Siege of St. Johns was defeated by a detachment from our Army, he lost 75 Men killed & wounded.

"Our Army is now marched to Attack Carleton in Mt. Real place of no strength." St. Johns held a crucial position southeast of Montreal and near the head of navigation from Lake Champlain down the Richelieu River to the St. Lawrence. It was vital that the Americans capture the fort to have any chance of launching a successful invasion of Canada. The day before Lee dispatched this letter, Montgomery had reached and captured Montreal.

Robert Wormeley Carter was Landon Carter's oldest son. He was a member of the House of Burgesses and of the House of Delegates.