[Letter from General George Washington to Richard Henry Lee of Virginia]
Cambridge
December 26, 1775
Dear Sir:
Your favour of the 6th instant did not reach this place till Saturday afternoon. The money which accompanied it came seasonably, but not, as it was so long delayed, quantum sufficit, our demands at this time being peculiarly great for pay and advance to the troops; pay for their arms and blanketing, independent of the demands of the Commissary and Quartermaster-General.
Lord Dunmore’s letters to General Howe, which very fortunately fell into my hands, and were enclosed by me to Congress, will let you pretty fully into his diabolical schemes. If, my dear sir, that man is not crushed before Spring, he will become the most formidable enemy America has. His strength will increase as a snow-ball, by rolling, and faster, if some expedient cannot be hit upon to convince the slaves and servants of the impotency of his designs. You will see by his letters what pains he is taking to invite a reinforcement, at all events, there, and to transplant the war to the Southern Colonies. I do not think that forcing his Lordship on ship-board is sufficient. Nothing less than depriving him of life or liberty will secure peace to Virginia, as motives of resentment actuate his conduct to a degree equal to the total destruction of the Colony. . . .
My best respects to the good family you are in, and to your brothers of the delegation; and be assured that I am, dear sir, your most obedient and affectionate servant,
George Washington