A letter from Major Henry Lee to Gen. George Washington, July 21, 1780 – A
Continental cavalryman and infantry officer, “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, became well
regarded and entrusted by Washington to provide intelligence. This letter provides
known facts, but also speculation regarding British fleet movement. Sometimes
intelligence can be considered a puzzle in which you assemble pieces of information
together to formulate one, cohesive picture of an event or activity.
Sir,
I informed your Excelly in my advice of yesterday that the British fleet after
playing off & on had returned to port on the 19th.
They sailed again in the evening & night of the same day; bearing their
course southerly.
On the 20th in the afternoon, some were seen on their return; from this,
it was concluded the whole fleet were following. But three frigates only
reached the hook this Morning. It is believed the fleet were gone to the
West indies. Capt. Dennis will explain to your Excellency the report of a
small reinforcement leaving the hook for S. Carolina.
We have different accounts
from New York of an action in the West
Indies, in which the English lost several
ships. I am inclined to credit them.
I have the honor to be with perfect respect
Your Exclys ob. h: sert
Henry Lee Junr
Lee's tactical report appears to indicate British intention to consolidate its
holdings in the south.
However, the letter is narrow in focus and not privy to all-source reporting being
reviewed by Gen. Washington who clearly understands the strategic opportunity
and intention for Britain to strike a mortal blow against the French, and the
revolution as a whole.
In this respect, the forces mentioned in Lee's account may in fact be part of this
main effort.
“The hook” appears to be an anchorage off NJ-NY. Is referenced in several
other letters.