51To James Madison from Henry Lee, 13 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Before I left home, Col Lee being about to depart for Congress, I wrote you by him. Since my arival here I got your letr. of the 1st. March, & have had an opportunity of reading your debates in Congress. Your motion which underwent so much discussion & met with such a decided negative is pleasing to the landed interest in this Country, & very much disrelished by the town interest. It is...
52To James Madison from Henry Lee, 3 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I am induced to address you on a subject which violates the rule I had lately prescribed to myself with respect to our public affairs. A youth the son of Mr. Thomas L. Lee to whom I beleive you was intimately known met me this morning on the road. Bred to the mercantile line in one of the most respectable houses in our country & cut off from his expectations there, by the death of his...
53To James Madison from Henry Lee, 22 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I got here last night from a trip to the great falls, & met your letr. of the 4th. It is really lamentable publicly & privately that a gift of Nature so useful should be locked up for the want of 3000 £ this currency. Was I in possession I verily beleive that the money would be returned in the course of one year. Col. Bull formerly of Pensylvania now of Berkeley, who was with me yesterday, &...
54To George Washington from Henry Lee, 12 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
We have been all again made most miserable by the accounts received of the desperate state of your health—True it is that the general gloom has been succeeded by joy in as much as we have just heard that you was safe & likely to be restored to your usual vigor. But when I recollect that in the course of a few months you have been twice dangerously ill, & am informed by all who have seen you of...
55To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
As one who asks no employment but will accept of it, if public considerations should make his service proper do I now address You. We have heard of a defeat of the Western Army & popular clamour is loud. If the events of war should render a change in the command of your troops necessary, & you should consider me equal to the charge, such is my miserable condition from the vicissitude attendant...
56To George Washington from Henry Lee, 24 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to tell you that I have waited to the last moment in my power in the fond hope of seeing you. My necessitys force me away this day, or the satisfaction I covet, should not be lost. Deprived of what is so grateful to my feelings, I must use this mode of manifesting my happiness on your second return to our native state, on the confirmed health you enjoy, and on the lasting affection...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 3 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The preservation of the relative importance of Virginia among her sister states must be held highly consequential to her future interests, whether fate shall allot to America undisturbed felicity, or difficultys dangers and vicissitudes. The idea you suggested relative to a purchase of a tract of land contiguous to Lake Erie and Beaver creek is certainly worthy of every consideration, and if...
58To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
In the forenoon this day I got here—soon saw the President & your affectionate friend Mr. Jefferson. The first has nearly recovd. Mr. J. & myself dined with him & as far as I can judge, no chance for 16 years opposes the happiness of the U:S from any event feared by us in N york. As to your corn which you so much prized & which Mr J. seems to reckon valuable & uncommon, the president says he...
59To James Madison from Henry Lee, 3 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
During my absence the physicians attending our afflicted countryman Col: Fisher have after various examinations decided that he has no stone, & incline to think his disorder is what is called a catarhh, a disease in the neck of the bladder or prostrate glands. In this doubt & consequent anxiety, I have advised him to obtain Doer. Mcnights opinion, to do which with certainty your agency is...
60To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
As I hope on my return to Virga. to raise as much money as will pay off old Fairfax & put into our power the great falls, I mention to you my intention that you may lend as much aid as you can. I have ordered the deed to be made out to you & me in the proportion agreed on & have charged you with one fourth of the purchase. If the event turns out as I expect, I shall not only be pleased by the...
61To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Our parting conversation has deeply employed my mind & I continue to lament exceedingly the existence of any event which puts us even politically opposite. No man is more warmly attached to his friends than I am; among the first of whom my heart places you. I thoroughly confide in the unstained purity of your principles, altho I feel enmity to the measures flowing from them. I am solicitous...
62To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [22 August 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Mr Cox was about taking to you my riding horse, but my apprehension of yr. necessary hurry & my wish to compare him with a horse I have sent for, concluded a procrastination of my execution of your request & my ardent desire. No other consideration could have induced me to postpone a measure you reckon essential to your health. Nor shall time be lost in presenting you with this trivial...
63To James Madison from Henry Lee, 24 August 1791 (Madison Papers)
Soon after I parted with you, I left Phild. and quickly got here. My whole rout presented to me one continued scene of stock gambling; agriculture commerce & even the fair sex relinquished, to make way for unremitted exertion in this favourite pursuit—thousands even at this late hour entering into a line of life which they abhor, in order to participate in legal spoil & preserve in some degree...
64To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [18 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
My assiduity has been exercised to procure for you a riding horse ever since my return. My success has not been equal to my hopes, & indeed it is not easy to accomodate you with a horse as you require one very gentle, which is not commonly a quality to be found in horses of the best sort. Mr Giles will deliver you the best I could get, & I beleive among the safest & most agreable that this...
65To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Altho the enclosed account which came to hand yesterday is by no means complete, yet I think it worthy of transmission, as I am sure you will be very anxious to receive every additional information on the late disaster in the west. The writer I am told is entitled to full credit—We may I think truely infer from this communication that the enemy paid dearly for their victory, or General St...
66To James Madison from Henry Lee, [8 December] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed please to give to our friend Frenau. It contains a list of some subscribers to his gazette. We are all miserable here; the late defeat of our army engrosses every mind; please to tell me of any saving circumstances in this unhappy affair should the act. to the gen govt. possess such wished for differences from the one circulating among us. At the same time let me beg you to recede...
67To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, which will be communicated to the general Assembly. In the confidence that the most recent accounts of the action of the 4th of November would be acceptable, I transmitted a letter addressed to me by Captain Rogers detailing the events of that day, as represented in Kentucky when he left the District. By a...
68To James Madison from Henry Lee, 22 December 1791 (Madison Papers)
Mr James Marshall brother to our friend John is about going to London on business very important to himself. Proper introductory letters will be very necessary to him especially to characters political & commercial. For it may happen that the interposition of the first may be necessary to remove some difficultys which he apprehends. You know the merit of the family, the excellence of Mr. John...
69To George Washington from Henry Lee, 7 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit herewith a Resolution of the General Assembly with respect to certain Lands located by the Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia line under the Laws of this Commonwealth, and since ceded to the Chickasaw Indians, together with a Report of a Committee of the House of Delegates on the same subject. Permit me Sir, to express my hope that some general regulations...
70To James Madison from Henry Lee, 8 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your two letters Decr. 18h. & Jany. 1st. In the first you mention having given to Mr. Frenau my letter to him enclosing a list of some subscribers to his gazette. I lately saw one or two of the gentlemen who have not yet recd. their papers. What can this be owing to? The disaster in the West is it seems from all accounts without alleviation. Painful indeed to my mind is the recollection...
71To James Madison from Henry Lee, 17 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
Snow on the ground for seven days past & now snowing fast. Good weather for wheat. Your letter of the 8h. with its enclosures got here last night, as did the previous one you mention some days past: My reply followed the subsequent post. I thank you for your occasional communications altho I do profess my chagrin & disappointment in the leading principles adopted by the administration of the...
72To James Madison from Henry Lee, 29 January 1792 (Madison Papers)
I received last night your letter of the 21st. On reference to the post office the subscribers to Frenaus gazette found their respective papers generally. I have read with attention your remarks to my observations on the first clause in the reply of your house to the presidential speech & while I acknowledge the commercial advantages enjoyed by the states since the adoption of the present...
73To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your letter of the 29h. Frenau’s Gazette you mention has not reached me, nor indeed have I for two mails got any papers from him. This precariousness in the reception of his paper will cramp the circulation of it. For which I am exceedingly sorry as it is rising fast into reputation. Innes is so pleased with the attention of the editor to political matters and to the independence...
74To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Richmond, Va., 16 Feb. 1792. Transmits an extract of a letter from Mr. Taylor, one of the commissioners of the marine hospital at Norfolk, Virginia. LS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , Vi : Executive Letter Book. The enclosed extract has not been found. On 8 Dec. 1791 James Taylor sent Gov. Henry Lee a statement of the accounts of the commissioners of the marine hospital at Norfolk,...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 23 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 14th. was received by the last night’s mail, in answer to which I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed Acts of Assembly . I presumed that the Commissioners had made an offer of the hospital to the General Government in pursuance of the Authority vested in them, and that the acceptance of the offer had been deferred until a part of the building was fit for use. Therefore...
76To James Madison from Henry Lee, 4 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I had the pleasure last night to receive your letter of the 28h. March with the newspapers enclosed. In the various doings of Congress there detailed it plainly appears that very little regard is paid to the minds of their constituents. In every transaction something occurs which excites suspicion of an undue influence or a latent design inimical to the intention and true spirit of the...
77To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Richmond, 16 April 1792. Transmits a “copy of a letter sent to me by Colonel Arthur Campbell of the county of Washington as it may perhaps convey information useful to you.” LB , Vi : Executive Letter Book. The original enclosure has not been found, but it was most likely Arthur Campbell’s letter to Lee of 2 Mar. 1792 that reports: “Some indication of resistence seems to be given in the S. W....
78To James Madison from Henry Lee, 18 April 1792 (Madison Papers)
I have your two letters of the 6th & 11th. The last communicated the appointment of commander in cheif of the W. A. This event has excited general astonishment here, and will be illy received I fear where the public good demands it should be otherwise received. I sincerely hope the new general may give peace to our country, and restore the honor of the American name. Altho the common report...
79To George Washington from Henry Lee, 15 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
When I was in Norfolk I heard of your passing thro Baltimore on a visit to Mt Vernon, and flattered myself with being enabled to pay my respects to you, but on my return I heard of your departure for Philada. This happiness I must hope for on a future day. In the mean time permit me to occupy a few moments of your time. You cannot have forgotten a declaration which you made at your own table...
80To George Washington from Henry Lee, 20 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to make known to You the bearer hereof Mr Williams a portrait painter. This gentleman is an American citizen, is of good character and is considered as possessing great natural talents in his line. Of the last fact I am too inadequate a judge for to venture my own opinion. He has a singular solicitude to be permitted to take your portrait and therefore has asked from me a letter of...
81To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 23 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot so well execute Mr. Randolph’s desire as by enclosing his letter to me. Whatever he has said in favor of Mr. Johnston may be reckoned on with certainty. It has been a long time since I have heard from you, tho daily I hear of you: commended by some, condemned by others—sometimes you are mounted to the skys on the wings of fame, again whisked into the infernal pit. I have withdrawn...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 23 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The General Assembly in their last Session, passed a resolution and address congratulating the National Assembly of France on their late Arduous Struggle for the melioration of their nation. I am at a loss how to convey these papers and to whom to address them, whether to the president of the National Assembly, or to the Monarch. Be so good to favour me with your information and Council. I...
83To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [10 September 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
I found on my return from a visit to the southwestern frontier of this state your letter of the 22d. Ult. I am still depressed in my mind & continue to be the subject to unavailing woe. My son on whom I cheifly counted for future comfort was suddenly deprived of life during my absence, which event on the back of what took place two years past has removed me far from the happy enjoyment of...
84To James Madison from Henry Lee, 10 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
Some few days after my late domestic calamity which stings me to the quick, I left this place on a visit to the southwestern frontier in obedience to the dutys of my present office, & therefore never got your letr. of July 22d. until my return. It would not have been in my power to have made the trip you suggest, altho my desire of seeing you would have been a powerful incitement. From the...
85To George Washington from Henry Lee, 26 September 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 26 Sept. 1792. GW wrote Henry Lee on 30 Sept. : “I was favored with your letter of the 26th instt.”
86To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 24 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
For many sessions past has the General Assembly of this Commonwealth turned their attention towards the establishment of the boundary line between North Carolina and this State. In the course of the last year the Executive received from the Governor of North Carolina the enclosed proceedings of the Legislature of that state and communicated the same to the General Assembly. In consequence...
87To George Washington from Henry Lee, 27 October 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 27 Oct. 1792. Henry Knox wrote Lee on 3 Nov. 1792 explaining that GW “has directed me to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency’s Letter to him of the 27th ultimo.” For Knox’s letter to Lee, see Knox to GW, 3 Nov. 1792, n.1 .
88To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 30 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 30 Dec. 1792 . Introduces Lord Garlies to TJ as a “young nobleman … entitled to every respect on the score of his personal worth and merit.” RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Jan. 1793 and so recorded in SJL , which notes that it was delivered by Lord Garlies.
89To George Washington from Henry Lee, 6 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
Permit me my dear president to offer my congratulations on the late unanimous renewal of affection & confidence on the part of your fellow-citizens, & to pray that the auspicious event may be attended with the happiest effects to you and to them. Col. Basset died on the fourth instant in consequence of a fall from his horse—Your amiable nephew at Eltham continues to linger without the smallest...
90To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I return my dear General the papers you gave me having laid the foundation of a future sale if agreable then to you. The previous requisites are the possession of the other shares of the company and a law authorizing foreigners to hold real property in Virginia—Both these can be effected in the course of the year. I would have called & taken leave of you & Mrs Washington, but did not like to...
91To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I had the honor to receive your letter of the 22d. Ultimo and submitted the same to the Council of State. In conformity with their advice, I have given directions to the proper officer of this Commonwealth to Supply the loan officer of the United States with the information requested. Some doubts arise with respect to the propriety of the measure adopted, but our Solicitude to prevent any...
92To George Washington from Henry Lee, 29 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
As soon after my hearing of your return to Mt Vernon as I could, I sat out for a visit to you, but unfortunately your stay at home was so short that I could not see you. I had reached Stafford court house when I accidentally learned that you had departed on the previous sunday, and on knowing this I instantly turned back from whence I came. This disappointment would have always been mortifying...
93To George Washington from Henry Lee, 2 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
The very defenceless Situation of the town of Norfolk and its proximity to the Sea invites the insult and injury of any adventuring pirate who may find it convenient to make the attempt. I cannot therefore forbear Suggesting the propriety of placing that town and post in a state of defence fitted to protect it from those injuries to which alone it can be exposed So long as the wise policy...
94To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 May [1793] (Hamilton Papers)
I had your letter delivered to me last evening & feel myself hurt at the suggestions it contains concerning your own situation. Knowing you as I do I should ever give to your political conduct the basis of truth honor & love of country however I might have differed from you on some measures. When therefore I feel undiminished regard to you, I cannot help lamenting the misery to which you...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 8 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I did my self the honor to write to the President of the United States, a few days past relative to the defenceless situation of Norfolk and beg leave now to forward to you, for his information, a copy of a letter received from Colonel Newton. Your letter of the 26th. of April is come to hand and will be duely regarded. I have the honor to be sir with perfect respect your most ob: sert. RC (...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 13 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you a letter addressed to me by the British Consul residing at Norfolk with an Affidavit enclosed therein. The subject to which they relate will no doubt receive the Consideration of the President of the United States. I have the honor to be sir with the sentiments of the most perfect respect your ob: ser RC ( DNA : RG 59, LGS ); in a clerk’s hand, with...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 16 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed resolution of the G. assembly I very much wish to see fitly and ingeniously executed and feel a thorough sterility of genius on the subject. Nor have I been able to obtain aid here. Thus circumstanced I resort to your goodness and pray you will be pleased to favor me with a plan. The execution can be effected in this city. I have the honor to be Sr with every sentiment of the...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 7 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Richmond, 7 June 1793 . If TJ can give letters of introduction to the bearer, Mr. Livingston, a very worthy man and good citizen who proposes to visit France in order to establish personal and commercial connections, he might give essential help to a truly respectable man who, as a result of the part he took in the late war, sacrificed a very large fortune in Jamaica. RC ( DLC ); 2 p.;...
99To George Washington from Henry Lee, 14 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Plain & evident as is the wise policy of neutrality on the part of the U. States during the present European war, I find that, the papers teem with publications reprobatory of this system. If I am to judge of the feelings & disposition of the people of the U.S. from what I beleive to be the temper of Virginia on this question, I can not doubt that nine tenths of America applaud the policy...
100To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 15 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
We have heard here that a circular ltr. from you to the several collectors relative to French prizes has given great offence to the British minister & that this conduct on the part of the U.S. will contribute to produce a rupture with G.B. I should be very much obliged to you for the truth on this point & its expected consequences. Peace to America is in one word, our all. A set of clamorous...