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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC04700 |
| From Archive Folder | Documents Relating to 1780 |
| Title | Charles Lee to Benjamin Rush regarding a letter of apology to Congress |
| Date | 30 April 1780 |
| Author | Lee, Charles (1732-1782) |
| Recipient | Rush, Benjamin |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Written by disgraced General Charles Lee to Rush, the former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, as a doctor in private practice. Is upset that Congress published his letter of apology. Claims that "Most people I have conversd with on the subject are of opinion that they have done al in triumph over me, considering the state of my apology as an instance of their having succeeded in breaking my spirit." Wants to know how his "few" friends and enemies in Philadelphia are interpreting the letter. If it is detrimental to his character he wants the enclosed letter to be published (letter not included here). Says he is "most heartily sick of this Country, and have thoughts of quitting it soon, if I can settle my affairs in such a manner as to set me at liberty." Says he thinks he can be safer under a monarch, and mentions the Emperor of Tuscany or Hungary, but say she will not raise a sword against America. Letter appears to have water damage has fading, although it is still legible. |
| Subjects | Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Military History Continental Congress Congress Immigration and Migration Journalism Global History and Civics Foreign Affairs |
| People | Lee, Charles (1732-1782) Rush, Benjamin (1746-1813) |
| Place written | Redwood Forest, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | In action occurring on June 28, 1778, Lee’s failure to perform resulted in a battlefield tongue lashing from an irate Washington, who personally halted the American retreat and helped to re-form the battle line. A day-long struggle ensued. Neither side emerged as the clear victor, but the British retreated under cover of night. Lee was deeply stung by Washington’s words and sent two letters demanding an apology from the commander and a court-martial to clear his name. Lee was found guilty of disobeying orders and insubordination and was removed from service for one year. This verdict was upheld by Congress in December 1778. Lee retired to his Virginia estate where he wrote letters attacking Washington and the Congress. He was officially dismissed from the army in 1780. Lee later moved to Philadelphia and lived in obscurity until his death in a tavern in October 1782. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |