Revolutionary War-dated ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 8, March 14, 1782. Letter to General Nathanael Greene. In full: “I sincerely congratulate you on the honour you have so justly acquired but as some alloy to your happiness I must freely give you my opinion that (notwithstanding your success, and the non-whimsical affair of Cornwallis) the situation of this Country wears a most dreary aspect – if Mr. Montesquieu’s position is just, that great virtue is the necessary basis of republican governments, it may be pronounc’d that these middle States (for I do not allude to the Eastern) cannot stand on their legs two years longer, Virginia in particular is so horridly deficient in all republican qualifications, ideas and wishes, that they are not even fit for a moderate monarchy; the most idolatrous servitude seems to be their proper sphere. They have already borne things (I am sure) which the Turks, or Slaves of Morocco wou’d have revolted at – every [?] of their laws, is a premium for baseness treachery dishonesty and indolence, and a penalty on integrity generosity fair dealing and industry. I can, without scandal, aver, that not an individual of their leading Men (Richard H. Lee excepted) but has been convicted of some dishonourable personal job – but to come to generals, what do you think of twenty five Counties, out of seventy two, being saddled with the whole expense of the war? The rest have not (and I believe will not) contribute a single shilling – in short you might as wisely attempt to form a good Corps of light infantry out of rickety Children, or razors of the bluntest wood, as to make republicans of the Virginians.
To sum up all in a few words; so odious is the present tyrannical anarchy We groan under, and so little prospect is there of our condition being better’d, that coud I disentangle my property, I wou’d, (to express myself a la black-guar) rather marry the Devil’s Daughter, and go and live with the old Folks, than remain a single instant in this accursed Pandemonium. –Adieu My Dr. Sir, may you be personally happy, for I despair (if you are an honest Man) of your being politically so, and may you meet with more gratitude from Congress and other public Bodies than I have.”
Several professional repairs to horizontal folds and hinge, somewhat irregular light overall toning, with a heavier strip along left edge of front page, show-through from text on reverse, and a couple of ink spots to signature, otherwise very good condition. Letter was originally offered by Sotheby’s as part of the James S. Copley Library of American historical documents, and is accompanied by the original Sotheby’s folder.
Lee was a British soldier turned Virginia farmer and later a Continental general whose subordinate officers included Greene, the recipient of this letter. Penned months after the British defeat at the Battle of Yorktown, Lee’s disdain for George Washington, a fellow Virginian, was well-known—and obvious here. “Virginia in particular is so horridly deficient in all republican qualifications, ideas and wishes, that they are not even fit for a moderate monarchy; the most idolatrous servitude seems to be their proper sphere,” he laments. Lee also maintains, “I can, without scandal, aver, that not an individual of their leading Men (Richard H. Lee excepted) but has been convicted of some dishonourable personal job – but to come to generals, what do you think of twenty five Counties, out of seventy two, being saddled with the whole expense of the war? The rest have not (and I believe will not) contribute a single shilling – in short you might as wisely attempt to form a good Corps of light infantry out of rickety Children, or razors of the bluntest wood, as to make republicans of the Virginians.” Lee had been court-martialed following the Battle of Monmouth as he publicly argued with Washington. Lee tried to get Congress to overturn the court-martial's verdict, and when this failed, he resorted to open attacks on Washington's character. A unique piece of American history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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