Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-10-18

minute vigilance and solicitude of his patriotism;
and his feelings may be further exemphhed by this
quotation from his biography:
"Another anecdote may be related oil Mr. Lee,
which serves to show the unceasing interest he
took in the public affairs, when in the retirement
of private life. When intelligence reached Vest
moreland of the arrival of the French fleet under
Count de Grasse. of Norfolk, MIR. Lee was at
home He Immediately formed the idea OF supply
ing it with fresh provisions, which he knew would
be grateful TO both seamea and officers, after so
long voyage He weni III person through the
count and procured subscription oil such artl-
Giles 30 each person could most conveniently give,
of live cattle, poultry, butter, vegetables, &c. lie
himself largely contributed. He succeeded in pro-
curing provi-iei sufficient to load school, er, which
he ffeighted and sent with letter to the Count"
The pages which filled with the letters Of
DIR. Arthur Lee, the brother OF Richard Henry,
written from England and the continent, are among
the most entertaining and edifying in these vo-
lumes.
REVOLUTIONARY ANECDOTE.
From the Life of Richard II. Lee, by his Son.
The reader knows that III the year 1873, urea
~ OF alliance had been formed between France ana
the United States; and that a feet under he COM
mand of the Count d'Estaign, bad arrived on the
coast. In the early part OF August, OF that year,
French ship of war bearing dispatches to Congress,
chased by British ships, as far up the Po,o-
mac, the county OF Westmoreland. The name
and character of Mr.. Lee were previously Known
to the commander of the ship, or learned perhaps,
from intercourse with the shore So it was, that
ali the papers of Importance were delivered TO him
by he commander, who, accompanied by the prin-
cipa officers of the ship, waited on Mr.. Lee. Up
on a conference with them, he obtained sufficient
information respecting the dispatches, to perceive
their great interest, and the prorriey Of early
conveyance OF them as possible 10 Congress The
danger of travelling directly towards Philadelphia,
especially without some very apparent, or easily
explained motive, was great, both ON tie road. in
the interior OF the through which tie travel
Ter must pass, and along the rosd. The coasts
The enemy's ships had taken possession of the
Chesapeake Bay, and often came up the Potomac
River rs high as Alexandria
Mr. Lee continuing too feeble to return 10 Phi
ladelphia, was Obliged 10 look Tor some person,
whose courage and fidelity could be relied on, and
whose Intelligence and ingenuity would enable him
10 evade inquiries, and to take advantage of every
means and opportunity of safe and speedy arrival
in Philadelphia. He was, for some time, in consd-
cradle difficulty in fixing on person, in every
point, iieI for the Trip. He, at first, endeavoured
10 find such person among men of mature age
But, although he could find many whose love and
fidelity 10 their country could be trusted, yet, they
were in other respects unqualified for the Grand
He at length recollec ed Dung mans OF his neigh
bourhool, about eighteen nineteen years of age,
whose adventurous spirit and intelligence, fitted
him for any enterprise. The moment this youtn
occurred TO his mind, he sent for him, and having
by general remarks and inquiries, ascertained that
lie would undertake any thing for his country, he
revealed 20 him he cal service he required oil him.
The prompitude and pleasure which the youth
evinced at the idea sf serving his country cOnvinc-
ell Mr.. Lee hat he mad met with one In every res
fNa.fy ssaI H.
him TO proceed with all possible despatch and Sc
crecy TO Philadelphia, and deliver the papers to
the president of Congress alone, and having plann-
ed with him the route and manner of his Journey,
he sewed the papers in different parts of his dress
so as TO render it imperceptble that he had any
thing about him.
The Young man having always lived on the wa
ter courses, very skil!ul in the management of
small vessels. He accordingly provided himself
with small boat, and in he din,mess Of twilight,
without returning to his home, proceeded TO the
'i""-' "eeoD'PaniHh by Mr.. Lee; and after receiving
much encouragement and many warm commeuda-
lions from him, lie pushed off alone. In his DO 4
he passed schooner and two tenders of the enemy,
during the night, and soon as The day dawred he
came ashore, and travelled foot, avoiding as
much as possible the public roads He f,cquentl
lay In the woods during the day, suffering severely
from hunger and thirst, and travelling during he
night. Having been a long time without any ming
10 eat, and iindi himself near small Town al TIE
head of tie rheSapeakc Bay. he determined to 20
into and procure retresiment at some OBSCURE inn
Having found one in which he thought lie might
safely stop for short time, he went in. While he
was sitting in room adjoining garden four or
five British seanen and marines came ino the
porch OF the tavern, and putting down their guns .
called for rum. After drinking some of it, TWO of
them came into TIE where he was sitting, and
began to question him, 50 whether he belong ed to
King George, or to the Rcbels?'' He answered
them in collected and careless manner, and they
at length, returned to their comrades. AS soon as
they had left the room, he leaped from the win
dow, and, crossing the garden resained the road
leading into the country and eled as fast as he
could during the night. File at last arrived safely
IN Philadelphia, just after Congress had assembled.
Having been directed to the house in which il met
he found it sitting with closed doors. He assured
the door-keeper, with much earnestness that he had
some business Of great importance with the Presi-
dent to communicate what il was. The door
keeper, being struck with his manner went in. and
after some minutes the President came out The
young man informed him OF the circumstances I'M
der which he had been sent by Colonel Lee and of
his Instructions, to deliver the papers to the presi-
dent of Congress. The President, after reading
MIR. Lees letter, and receiving all the papers men
toned in II, had him provided with comfortable
lodgings. After the house adjourned the president
waited him, and presented to him the thanks
of Congress, and expressed a desire that he would
accept reward. He, however, declined all offer.
OF the kind, requesting only money enough to ena-
bic him TO return TO Virginia.
His name was Benret, who lived and died re-
spected in Leesburg, Virginia.