British soldier turned Virginia planter (1732-1782) and Continental Army officer in the Revolutionary War. Lee is most notorious for his actions during the Battle of Monmouth, where he disobeyed orders from George Washington and retreated directly into the general and his advancing troops, earning Lee a public rebuke. Lee was court-martialed for 'inappropriate language' and relieved of command for one year. Revolutionary War-dated ALS, one page both sides, 6.25 x 7.75, March 22, 1778. Lee writes from British-occupied New York City to John Thomas in Bedford, New York, concerning a prisoner exchange. At this time, Lee was imprisoned by the British; he would be exchanged the next month for British Major General Richard Prescott. In full: "Mr. Nehemiah Marshal of N. Rochelle has been let out on his parole and will be totally liberated but on condition that Isaac Gidney of Rye Neck is exchanged for him—this Gidney is suppos'd to be Prisoner at Hartford in Connecticut. As I am engaged in honors and as Mr. Marshal is so importantly interested in it I must request that you will address a letter on the Subject to Hartford in my name—and request that Gidney may be immediately sent into N. York." Includes the original address leaf, accomplished in Lee's hand. The letter is in very good condition, with some areas of light toning. The detached address leaf is soiled, with areas of paper loss and tape repairs to folds.
John Thomas, the recipient of this letter, was a member of the 'Committee who represent the Inhabitants of West Chester County.' Isaac Gidney, referenced here by Lee as he was held in British hands, was a Rye loyalist who was among those who had earlier signed a resolution declaring their 'great desire and full resolution to live and die peaceable subjects to our gracious sovereign King George the Third, and his laws.' Despite Lee's efforts here to exchange Gidney for another prisoner and provision "that Gidney may be immediately sent into N. York," he did not return to the British-occupied city. Rather, he went to his home in Mamaroneck, where he was soon recaptured by American troops. An intriguing behind-the-scenes look at prisoners of war during the American Revolution.
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