THE LEE PAPERS.
To Patrick Henry.
Williamsburg, May 7th, 1776.
Dear Sir,
If I had not the highest opinion of your Candour and liberal way of thinking, I should not venture to ad- dress myself to you, and if I was not equally perswaded of the great weight and influence, which the transcend- ent abilities you possess, must naturally confer, I should not give myself the trouble of writing, nor you the trouble of reading this long letter. Since our conversa- tion yesterday, my thoughts have been solely employed, on the great question, whether independence ought, or ought not to be immediately declared i Having weigh'd the arguments on both sides, I am clearlv of opinion, that we must (as we value the liberties oi America, or even her existence) without a moments delay declare for Independence. If my reasons appear weak you will excuse 'em, for the disinterestedness of the Author ; as I may venture to affirm that no man on this Continent will sacrifice more than myself by the separation — But if I have the good fortune to offer any arguments which have escaped your acute understanding and they should make the desired impression I shall think I have render'd the greatest service to the Community. The objection vou made yesterday (if I understood you right) to an immediate declaration, was by many degrees the most specious (indeed it was the only tolerable one) that I have yet heard — ^you say (and with great justice) that we ought previously to have felt the i)ulse of France andVol. II— 1
