Autograph letter signed : Chantilly, to an unidentified recipient, 1776 Feb. 23 | WorldCat.org (original) (raw)

Summary:Discussing a withdrawal of cash some of which is to be paid to Richard Lee; relating that he has heard from the "northern papers ... that Gen. Clinton brought 600 men with him from Boston, and now by the spirited opposition given to him at N. York, it is probable he is come to Norfolk. As our troops at Williamsburg are at present too few to oppose that force aided by the marines and others from the ships, do you think Sir that it will be a very prudent measure to remove the Treasury to a place of safety, and one printing press at least with the records? If our late noted Batallions were down & armed, we should be in no danger, but as it is, when they can land at Burwels ferry & so quickly march to Town, I own, I think there will be risk in delaying the removal I have mentioned too long. I have inclosed the President L. Norths motion about repealing some of the Acts, by which you will see that instead of lessening they are extending injury, and by the proceedings in the Irish Parliament they mean to exert themselves against us this summer, but in the meantime they wish to delude & put us as much off our guard as possible."