Lee Letter: n340_0116




<br /> Lee Letter: n340_0116

Washington and Lee University

Sender: Robert Morris
Recipient: Committee of Secret Correspondence

Philada. Jany 22d. 1777

Gentn

The Sachem after going up the Bay & meeting with Ice went down to Cape
May from whence the enclosed packet was sent to me by express. I had
before recd an Acct. of the Piratical Conduct of Capt
Patterson.1 Such things ought to be
taken in time or we shall acquire a similar character to the
Inhabitants of Barbary. I hope you will urge Spirited Measures on this
Occasion & it will lay the foundation for Calling some other
delinquents to a severe Account.

I am extreamly hurried but always your most obed servt,

Robt Morris

Notes:

Receiver’s copy, Papers of Continental Congress, item 137, U.S. National
Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. Addressed: “To
The Honble Benjn. Harrison Esqr. Chair Man of Commee of
Correspondence Baltimore.”

1 Morris enclosed William Bingham’s December 6, 1776, letter with supporting
documentation alleging piracy against Capt. William Patterson of
Maryland. For the subsequent responses of Congress and Maryland, see
Samuel Chase to the Maryland Council of Safety, January 29 and
February 6; and Committee of Secret Correspondence to William
Bingham, February 1, 1777, note.