Lot 159: THOMSON, CHARLES

THOMSON, CHARLES Autograph letter signed ("Cha. Thomson"), 1 page (8 1/2 x 6 1/2 in.; 215 x 165 mm), [Philadelphia], 16 December 1778, to Charles Lee (in Philadelphia); formerly folded, silked on verso, clean lateral tear through the text with residue of cello tape repair.

The Lee Papers, vol. 3, p. 275, in Collections of the New-York Historical Society for the year 1873, vol. 6 (1874)

The secretary of Congress refuses Lee a transcript of his trial, except through proper channels.

The court-martial of Lee, in July and August of 1778, was the result not of his poor showing at the Battle of Monmouth, but of his insubordination toward General Washington. He was found guilty of all charges on 12 August, and sentenced to a suspension of command for twelve months. The case was forwarded to Congress for review which began 23 October and ended on 5 December with a vote that the sentence be executed.

The congressional secretary writes, in response to Lee: "I had the honour of your two letters requesting a copy of the proceedings of Congress relative to your trial. I shall always deem myself happy in an opportunity of serving you. But if you desire anything more than the resolution confirming the sentence, I should be much obliged if you would take the trouble to apply to Congress that I may not incur censure." Lee applied to Congress directly the next day.