George Wythe responds to Richard Henry Lee. He writes that the "letter concerning the leases was mentioned in the house, but so slighted, and treated in such a manner that I had not occasion to acquaint the house with what you had written to me upon that subject." Wythe mentions General Howe and the Philadelphia Campaign. He also urges Lee to get General Gates to send a letter about General Burgoyne's surrender as "some begin to doubt the truth of it." Wythe mentions that the question of taxation has been taken up by the Virginia Convention.; American Philosophical Society
George Washington responds to Richard Henry Lee letter from May 22. He writes that perhaps he was to forceful in the letter that initiated the discussion about foreign soldiers (mercenaries, professional soldiers.) Nevertheless, Washington emphasizes the if "Monsr D’Coudrey" becomes the head of artillery, that they would lose a "very valuable Officer in General Knox who is a Man of great Military Reading, sound judgment, & clear conceptions—He has conducted the affairs of that department with honour to himself, and advantage to the Public—and will resign if any one is put over him." Washington turns to recruitment issues and defectors after General Howe's proclamation. He writes of his frustration with Congress' slow or no responses to his letters. Washington concludes the letter with a reference to the Director General of the Hospital.; American Philosophical Society
Letter from Benjamin Rush to Richard Henry Lee on January 14, 1777. Rush informs Lee that he left Hugh Mercer, who he believes is "out of danger" but is very weak from blood loss and cannot be moved. (Mercer had already died on January 12.) He then describes a "Leiut. Yeates of Col. Reed's Virginia Regiment" who had just died. Rush writes that his death merits "the attention of the congress" and describes Yeates' death at the hands of a British soldier in a cruel and merciless fashion. He continues, "[t]he Savages murdered a clergyman a chaplain to a battallion of militia in cold blood at Trenton after he had surrendered himself, and begged for mercy. His name was Rosborough." Rush writes a description of American prisoners of war stating, "I wish the attention of congress could be roused in behalf of our poor fellows." Rush concludes his letter with more information about the war including possible Russian involvement.; American Philosophical Society