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Story
June 26, 1777
The Newport Gazette
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Authentic copy of a letter from General Lee to Col. Campbell after his capture during the American Revolution, expressing resignation to fate, commitment to the cause of freedom, and praise for Colonel Harcourt's role.
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Full Text
From the NEW YORK GAZETTE
The following is said to be an authentic copy of a letter sent by General Lee to Col. Campbell, after his being taken prisoner.
SIR,
THE fortune of war, the activity of Colonel Harcourt, and the liberality of my own troops, have made me your prisoner. I submit to my fate, and hope that whatever may be my destiny, I shall meet it with becoming fortitude: but I have the consolation of thinking, amidst all my distresses, that I was engaged in the best cause that ever interested mankind. It would seem to me, that Providence had determined that no freeman should be left upon earth, and that the success of your arms was meant to toil and universal system of slavery. Imagine not, however, that I lament my situation, or claim to depreciate the malice of my enemies, if any now can at present affect me, at a time of a great continent, apparently destined for empire, founded in the highest vision of being free, and enslaved by men, whom unfortunately I call my countrymen. To Colonel Harcourt's activity every commendation is due; and I, as a man, had this day been free: but my ill fortune prevailed, and you behold me not the haughty Roman, but contemptible, and prisoner! I have not time to say more; but let me assure you, that no vicissitudes have the power to alter my sentiments; and thus, as I have long supported these sentiments in difficulty, and in dangers, I will die declaring them. C. LEE.
Addressed, "To Gen. Campbell."
The following is said to be an authentic copy of a letter sent by General Lee to Col. Campbell, after his being taken prisoner.
SIR,
THE fortune of war, the activity of Colonel Harcourt, and the liberality of my own troops, have made me your prisoner. I submit to my fate, and hope that whatever may be my destiny, I shall meet it with becoming fortitude: but I have the consolation of thinking, amidst all my distresses, that I was engaged in the best cause that ever interested mankind. It would seem to me, that Providence had determined that no freeman should be left upon earth, and that the success of your arms was meant to toil and universal system of slavery. Imagine not, however, that I lament my situation, or claim to depreciate the malice of my enemies, if any now can at present affect me, at a time of a great continent, apparently destined for empire, founded in the highest vision of being free, and enslaved by men, whom unfortunately I call my countrymen. To Colonel Harcourt's activity every commendation is due; and I, as a man, had this day been free: but my ill fortune prevailed, and you behold me not the haughty Roman, but contemptible, and prisoner! I have not time to say more; but let me assure you, that no vicissitudes have the power to alter my sentiments; and thus, as I have long supported these sentiments in difficulty, and in dangers, I will die declaring them. C. LEE.
Addressed, "To Gen. Campbell."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Fate Providence
Misfortune
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
General Lee
Prisoner Letter
American Revolution
Capture
Providence
Fortitude
What entities or persons were involved?
General Lee
Col. Campbell
Colonel Harcourt
Story Details
Key Persons
General Lee
Col. Campbell
Colonel Harcourt
Story Details
General Lee submits to capture by British forces, credits Colonel Harcourt's activity and his troops' actions, affirms fortitude in the cause of freedom against slavery, and vows unwavering sentiments.