The Virginia Gazette

General Washington, in general orders, has returned thanks to Capt. Henry Lee, of the Virginia light horse, for his bravery and gallant behaviour during the last campaign, for the material service he has rendered the arms of the United States, and the good example he has set others.

Extract of a letter from an officer, dated camp, December 25, 1777.

"Captain Lee, of whom too much cannot be said, for his activity and gallantry, during this whole campaign, had nearly fallen into the hands of the enemy; that young valuable officer has through the course of this campaign made 132 prisoners without losing a man; his ardor had like to have deprived us of him, on a late occasion, having pushed the enemy so close as to separate himself from all aid of infantry, fell in with 40 of Preston's dragoons, supported by 100 foot, he received the fire of a considerable body of the infantry with no effect on their side, and just as he and his little troop that only consisted of 22, made their charge, which would have put them all in his hands, he found himself the object of the above body of horse, who had till that time concealed themselves, they pursued 3 miles in which distance he several times formed his little squadron, and finally by his bravery and prudence got off with the loss of 3 of his troop only, he vowed vengeance, and has already taken it, the enemy being out two days ago on a foraging party near Derby, he equipped himself and with his Lieutenants, Lindsey and Peyton, who have also distinguished themselves on every occasion, turned-out for satisfaction, and this moment have sent in 13 of Preston's horses and 10 of his dragoons, the other 3 men I suppose he killed by way of retaliation for those he lost. The country between this and Derby is plentifully supplied with provision and forage, and do expect will be the theatre of this winters operations which will be chiefly by detachments in the foraging way, unless General Howe comes out to fight this army, and that I believe will not be the case."