1To George Washington from Henry Lee, 1 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
Altho the exalted station which your love of us and our love of you has placed you in, calls for change in mode of address, yet I cannot so quickly relinquish the old manner. Your military good holds its place in my mind notwithstanding your civic glory, & whenever I do abandon the title which used to distinguish you I shall do it with awkwardness. The affectionate and decided regard...
2To 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...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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,...
9To 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....
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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.”
13To 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 .
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To George Washington from Henry Lee, 17 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you did me the honor to write to me dated 21st July got to hand just as I was departing for Winchester, from which place I am late returned. To this cause is to be attributed cheifly the lateness of my reply, tho my wish to have known with accuracy the mind of my country men relative to those matters which were beginning to agitate the community, would of itself have induced...
20To George Washington from Henry Lee, 7 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
you will suppose I apprehend that I am rather too solicitous for your possession of the aid of art in threshing out your crops of wheat, when the moment I have understood that the wheat mill will not be adopted by you, I should renew your attention to this subject by informing you, that two english farmers have just arrived here with a model of the machine invented in scotland for threshing...
21To George Washington from Henry Lee, 13 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
This evenings post from Norfolk has brought information of the arival of a french fleet in Hampton Road with much european intelliga[n]ce. My letr from Col. Newton I think proper to enclose (having not time to prepare a copy) that you may be possesd of the most accurate information on the subject, within. I have the honor to be with unceasing affection & perfect respect your ob: st ALS , DNA :...
22To George Washington from Henry Lee, 13 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
Some time ago on a rumour that the collector for the rappahannock district was about to decline his office I took the liberty to bring to your view Mr Francis Brook as a gentleman extremely well qualified in my opinion for that office. I mentioned then the reasons which influenced my judgement & inclination, & will not now detain your time by a repetition of them. Persuaded you will consult...
23To George Washington from Henry Lee, 31 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
I informed the Secretary of War since my arrival, that I should devote all the leisure I might have in examining the Western part of the Chesapeake and Hampton-Road, with a view to the preparing for you authentic information on points which, in case of war, will probably engage your attention. I have so done, but my time has not admitted of the minute examination I wished; still I believe my...
24To George Washington from Henry Lee, 24 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself very fortunate in arriving here at the same time that you did as I shall have the unexpected pleasure of seeing you. Presuming that your stay will be short & knowing how much you will be engaged in your farm business, I beg leave to ask what day this week will be most convenient for you to be seeen & to present the most sincere respects of your devoted & affec: friend I have...
25To George Washington from Henry Lee, 17 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
your late orders for a detachment of militia & proclamation give birth to a variety of sensations & opinions. All good citizens deplore the events which have produced this conduct on your part, & feel but one determination to maintain inviolate our happy government at the risk of their lives & fortunes—there are some among us from the influence of party spirit & from their own ambitious views...
26To George Washington from Henry Lee, 20 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Pardon me for again writing to you in so short a time—I always do it with reluctance, because I know your time occupied constantly with momentous concerns. But the present crisis seems pregnant with very eventful issues. the public mind is on the [stretch]. Love of order is the dominating principle, & hatred to draw blood from fellow citizens weighs—the opinions of the minority of Congress are...
27To George Washington from Henry Lee , 3 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Altho I have had near two days to reflect on the purport of the letr received from the secretary of the treasury on the first instant, I confess I am not yet releived from the agitation of mind produced by that communication. My greif for the necessity of pointing the bayonet against the hearts of our countrymen is equalled only by my conviction of the wisdom of your decision to compel...
28To George Washington from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, c.3 Nov. 1794. On 3 Nov., Alexander Hamilton wrote GW, “A letter from Governor Lee which goes with this probably informs you of the plan of future operations.”
29To George Washington from Henry Lee, 19 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
Major Morgan who acted in capacity of aid de camp with me during the expedition placed under my direction will have the honor to present this letter. He is a most amiable youth & I am persuaded worthy of your polite attention. I beg leave therefore to solicit it in his behalf & to recommend him as perfectly qualified from the part he has taken with the army to give to you information on any...
30To George Washington from Henry Lee, 17 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
It was a long time before I had an opportunity of making known to Mr Henry the purport of that part of your letr to me which concerns him. But very lately have I received his reply, which I beg leave to enclose for your perusal. I am very confident that Mr H. possesses the highest & truest regard for you & that he continues friendly to the g. government, notwithstanding the unwearied effects...
31To George Washington from Henry Lee, 23 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
The horse I mentioned to you is not of the sort you want: tho a well looking horse. I wished to have heard your sentiments on the constitutionality of a treaty made by the P. & senate wherin commerce was regulated in some degree—on this point I see not the way so clear, as I wish. If you have leisure I should be happy in hearing from you thereupon. I learnt from Mr L. that Mr Allen formerly...
32To George Washington from Henry Lee, 9 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
A report from Norfolk announcing the arrival of a corvette there, with letters of recal of the French minister in consequence of our treaty with G. Britain is circulating with much confidence. I cannot think so illy of the wisdom & justice of the french republic as to credit the tale & in my own mind I class it among those daily inventions which charecterize the agitators of our country: yet I...
33To George Washington from Henry Lee, 7 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I am to receive in the course of next month Judge Wilsons bonds payable in one & two years to the amount of your demand for your dismal swamp lands. If you will take your original price thus payable I will purchase—my enquiry respecting the Judges affairs leaves not a doubt in my mind of his ability & I had full conviction from a recent transaction of his honor & integrity. Most respectfully...
34To George Washington from Henry Lee, 22 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I was early this morning my dear President with Col. H[oward] & he called on me Just now. I had I thought good ground this morning to conclude that he would accept your call. Now I fear he will not—I beleive his state of health which he says can with difficulty be kept tolerable by freedom from business, & daily exercise is his cheif objection—He will write to you in a few days from Annapolis...
35To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
When I reached this place which was as soon as my necessary call at home would permit I gave your letr to Mr Lee who replied to it by the succeeding post affirmatively as I understand. You will have heard of the curious resolutions which had passed the house of delegates—the object of which is too plain to doubt—with all proper dispatch they have been attended to by those who considered them...
36To George Washington from Henry Lee, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Least the official transmission of the resolutions mentioned in my last may have been delayed, I have thought it expedient to enclose to you the journals which comprehend the proceedings on the last resolution —The first in effect the same took place in our disposal of the James river shares. When you see that resolution you will find that your disposal of the potomac shares is approved & that...
37To George Washington from Henry Lee, 26 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Till very lately have I felt myself well enough to discharge my daily dutys & now hardly fit for writing—But your letr (without date) recd last evg as well as my constant desire to administer to your information so far as I can, induces me to sieze the first opportunity of replying. Mr H. was written to by me in a way to obtain his answer by a direct opportunity which was presented in the...
38To George Washington from Henry Lee, 3 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
In my last I told you that I had contrived to get an unsuspected private friend to hire an express to carry a le[tte]r from me to Mr. H. as I found waiting for private conveyances too tedious. I have this moment reced his reply, after expressing himself very anxious indeed, to evidence (especially at the present crisis) by some public act his attachment to you & after declaring his sense of my...
39To George Washington from Henry Lee, 18 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor this moment to receive from the mail just arrived (Interrupted by the vast fall of rain) your l[ett]er of the 11th. My anticipation of the necessity of information to you On the point trusted to me, induced me to expend my own money to secure to my letr a timely reply—th[e] substance was instantly forwarded to you, which I hope reached you soon after your ler of the 11th was...
40To George Washington from Henry Lee, c.24 January 1797 (Washington Papers)
General Lee returns herewith the paper which the President was pleased to give to him last evening—He has derived great pleasure from its perusal as it presents a complete refutation of all the charges exhibited agst govt by mr adet & breathes throughout a spirit of moderation & friendship which ought to produce the happiest effects. AL , DLC:GW . At this time, Lee represented Westmoreland...
41To George Washington from Henry Lee, 12 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
I find myself fatigued with my journey or should wait on you this evening. While in Newyork I mentioned to a friend of mine there your pair of horses & price—He has authorized me to buy them, money to be paid (1000 Ds) on delivery. I promised to write to him by tomorrows mail, & consequently must ask your decision this evening. please to present my best respects to Mrs Washington & tell her...