On the 20th he wrote the following astonishing words to Ben" I could say many things-- let jamin Rush, a member of congress: you much good-- might me talk vainly-- had I the powers I could do will never give any man I but dictate one week-- but I am sure you read the Roman over congress the of the necessary power-- did none order from on's Washingt receiving upon 21st, On the history9" Lee not merely ignored it, but with unparalleled Hackensack, , to deeffrontery directed General Heath, commanding atthePeekskill commander-intach 2000 men from his force and send them to chief ' Heath refused, quoting his own explicit instructions from (November 20) wrote: "The commanWashington, whereupon Lee from us. I, of course, command on this der-in-chief isnow separated I must and will be obeyed. future the for and water, the side of communication Washington was obliged to notify Lee in a positive In a letter to Bowdom, that not a man must be taken from Heath. ized then at the bead of the Massachusetts government, Lee character as Castle North from move to him to ns instructio on's Washingt should himself, for that added ntly « absolute insanitv," and complace no expectathe British move toward his quarter, he would entertain that there tion of being succored by the « western army "-implyibyngWashington were now two distinct armies, a western commanded In a confidential letter of the and an eastern headed by himself. e which he wanted to comenterpris an to alluded 24th to Reed he to you, for to plete before moving, after which, he said, - 1 shall fly with me than confess a truth 1 really think our chief will do better without me " , the od ami Westchester County was at last evacuated by Lee on Kings 4th of December.