Autograph letter signed : "Congaree River," to Maj. Gen. Greene, 1781 Aug. 17.

Record ID: 
121885
Accession number: 
MA 489.12
Author: 
Lee, Henry, 1756-1818.
Credit: 
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan, 1907.
Description: 
1 item (1 p., with address) ; 32.3 cm
Notes: 

Endorsed on verso.
Address panel to "Major Gen. Greene."
This item is part of a collection of letters and documents concerning the siege of Yorktown and the surrender of Cornwallis; see main record for MA 488-489 for more information.

Summary: 

Providing intelligence on troop movements; informing him that he will "cross the river tomorrow to energize my men & to throw myself in the road of intelligence & the paths of fortune. I cannot suppose Cornwallis will continue on [illegible] with a reduced command, he will not be second when he may be first; therefore I am of opinion [illegible] with the detachment you mention, is gone to New York, & that his Lordship will shortly be in Chstown. Was you but able, it would be great to strike Stuart before his friend arrives. Perhaps it would be well for you to move to the Congaree to be ready on the junction of your militia & to spend the [illegible] on this river;" adding, in a postscript beneath the address panel, "Two Hessian dragoons have this moment come in from the enemy's camp. Nothing new."

Provenance: 
Purchased by Pierpont Morgan from New York dealer Joseph F. Sabin, 1907.