1To John Adams from Henry Lee, 10 January 1798 (Adams Papers)
I intrude on yr. time with reluctance but having communicated to you the purport of Mr John Taylors declaration (previous to the late presidential election) respecting your political principles, with a promise that I would present you with his written declaration on that subject, I feel myself bound so to do. You have herewith his ler: a form of doing the business to him most agreable, because...
2To Benjamin Franklin from Henry Lee, 30 December 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty of writing to You hoping that you wont take it amiss I Henry Lee nave to General in America Has met with the Misfortune to be in Goal in Cadis. I Came here Second Capt of a Brigg from Phillidelphia Loaded with Tobaco and I haveing four Barrells & two Boxes of Snuff for my Private trade came here and not Knowing the Laws of this Place...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 31 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Forced to meander on my ride home to close as far as I could the various matters which I considered under my care I never got to Richmond until the 29th. when Col. Carrington gave to me your favor of the 19th Decr. I am sure you understand too well my conviction of your constant efforts to give comfort to the late army with me, to suppose that I could for a moment impute to want of exertion in...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 9 March 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I trust you have got back to New York where I hope among many delights which will encircle you, may be the leisure necessary to attend to distant friends. I very much wish to derive for a good purpose a piece of information which you only can give. If you feel yourself at liberty to do so in the strictest confidence pray impart to me the authors of the several pieces of publius. This you can...
5To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 13 November 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Nailer’s Farm , Pennsylvania, November 13, 1794 . On November 13, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have received your Letter of this day.” Letter not found. ] On November 12 and November 13, 1794, Lee issued orders from his headquarters at Nailer’s farm ( Baldwin, “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee,” Leland D. Baldwin, ed., “Orders Issued by General Henry Lee during the Campaign against the...
6To 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...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [5 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
You must know that we Virginians think that the president seems to undervalue us as seamen. I wish you could change this turn of mind in the illustrious sachem, & by way of beginning bring into a Lieutenancy the bearer Mr. Shore. He is well connected in the southern parts of the state, (where you want acquaintances), is excellenty charactered & bred to the sea service. His manners bespeak him...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 5 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I wrote to you the other day in reply to your ler. recd from Col. Carrington. The communications from my friends since my return go to tell me that I have become an object of the most virulent enmity of a certain political junto who affect to govern the U S & belch their venom on every Citizen not subservient to their will. Mr. Marshall says that my imagination cannot present to me in true...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 20 February 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
The enclosure concerns a subject in which Genl. Irvine’s feelings cannot but be deeply interested. I persuade myself you will take pleasure in gratifying yr. old brother soldier if compatible with duty. Yr. answer sent to me will with certainty reach the general. You may have seen in some opposition papers paragraphs placing me as yr. rival. I must assure you (tho I know it is not necessary)...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 15 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I have your letters of the 9th & 13th Octobr. The Pilots have orders one half to proceed to Lewis Town, there to wait on you. The route I can not yet determine, as I am not sufficiently acquainted. They will be sent the shortest & every assistance given them to expedite their arrival. Should you leave the Capes before they get there, it would be necessary to dispatch a courier to cross at...
11To 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...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 16 October 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Major Campbell is solicitous to obtain the appointment of Division inspector—He is in every walk of life exemplary & is well qualified for the station he aspires to. I commend him to Yr. patronage. Yrs. truely ( ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress). An endorsement on the cover reads: " Filed ."
13To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 17 September 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Among the late exiles from St. Domingo in consequence of the misfortunes to which the inhabitants of that island have been subjected in the course of human events are a few desirous of settling in this state. They offer governmental bills received by them as remittances to France in their prosperity. Doubts arise respecting their payment on presentment to Paris. Please to tell me what you...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 12 April 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
Col. Parker has visited me in consequence of yr. letr. of which I informed him & we have jointly laid off this state as you desired. A copy whereof I now enclose. We were governed by convenience, cheapness of provision & population & of course occasionally were obliged to render some districts smaller than others. Colo. Parker being the Senior officer in this state will of Course have to...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 5 March 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. very friendly letter I duely recd, & altho I was persuaded you could not listen a moment to the base insinuations to which I referred, yet I felt not inconsiderable satisfaction in the explicit contempt which yr. answer manifests. This game yet continues, in a late aurora an absolute falshood is issued to the world in which I am at large named & my friend Ludwell Lee by initials. The...
16To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 22 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
I received your two letrs announcing your object route & wishes. I sent to you at Lewis-town two pilots—one of them Captain Johnston from whom you may know more than from any other, as he was particularly active. The enemy’s strength at the hook consists in two 64, the Europa & Russell—the Raisonable, Renown Roebuck & Romulus. Besides these they have a few frigates & some armed Schooners. They...
17To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 July 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
To shew you that all is not anger & that truth may perhaps regain its empire I enclose the gazette of the day. Adieu ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. This letter is endorsed in an unidentified handwriting as follows: “Inclosing printed Report of Committee of enquiry into the Treasury.” It is more likely, however, that the enclosure was a copy of the [Richmond] Virginia Gazette and...
18To 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...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 June 1788] (Hamilton Papers)
God bless you & your efforts to save me from the manifold ⟨–⟩ misfortunes which have & continue to oppress me, whenever I attempt to aid human nature. You will do what you think best & whatever you do I will confirm. Hazard has acted the part of a decided rascal & if I fail in my right, I may not in personal revenge. Our Convention is in full debate on the great business of Federal...
20To 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...
21To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 7 October 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I heard of your illness, with pain I heard of your repulse in n jersey, of your consternating Mr. Mrs Morris & above all the angelic Miss Morris in their retreat with wonder. I wished for your return to health with affectionate sincerity, & I feel astonished at the recollection of this wish, in as much as you seemed to me long ago beset with trouble, & I have ever held death a sleep ending in...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 2 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
I am extremely chagrined on finding from your private letter accompanying your public letter that the intended secrecy is entirely baffled as it respected the call on me to take care of the insurgents. Being absent from Richmond on a visit to the forts at Norfolk, the public letr. was opened by the Lt. Govenor & there being no injunction of secrecy on it, The purport was divulged without...
23To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 24 March [1799] (Hamilton Papers)
I never received yr letr. on the subject of the recruiting service enclosing one to Colo Parker till the last evening. I woud with much pleasure contribute any aid in my power towards the successful execution of yr object for I really believe the best plan & the best execution will still be very slow in fruit among us. A consultation with the officers to be employed in the conduct of the...
24To 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...
25To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, [16 November 1789] (Hamilton Papers)
The letr. sent to your care, be pleased to return. Your undertaking is truely arduous but I trust as you progress in the work, difficulty will vanish. From your situation you must be able to form with some certainty an opinion concerning the domestic debt. Will it speedily rise, will the interest accruing command specie or any thing nearly as valuable, what will become of the indents already...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 19 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Richmond, August 19, 1794. On August 27, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Lee : “I have … received your letter to me of the 19th.” Letter not found. ] Lee was governor of Virginia.
27To 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...
28To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Use your first leisure & tell me all the political news, especially whether it is possible that Congress mean to pick a quarrel with G. B. An alarm on this subject affects many here. Is it not better to bear temporary evils & by negotiation to diminish or dismiss them, than with a view to releive ourselves from them to plunge ourselves into the miserys of war? If our councillors be so lost to...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, 29 October 1779 (Hamilton Papers)
October 29, 1779. Reports “two naval actions the one in the english channel between the grand fleets the second in the West indies.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See Lee to H, October 15 , 22, 1779 , and Washington’s correspondence with H and Brigadier General Du Portail for background to this letter.
30To Alexander Hamilton from Major Henry Lee, [10 September 1779] (Hamilton Papers)
I wish you would send me a copy of Gen Washingtons letr. of instructions to me, a copy of gen orders on the subject of the 19th. & the sentence of the court martial. The emissarys from the virginia party have been industrious to injure my military character. I am dr sir yours sincerely ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. The background of this letter can be briefly summarized:...
31To 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...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 6 February 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Yr. favor was duely recd & would have been replied to immediately, had not the subject it regards been so momentous & was I not solicitous to communicate my final decision to you thereupon. It is certainly cause of no little regret in my mind to find myself in opposition to you on any occurrence, especially on one so important as that which now presents itself. But really my friend after much...
33To 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...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Henry Lee, 30 September 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Least my brother should have returned I take the liberty of asking your safe delivery of the two lets. enclosed & any reply which may be given to you for me. At the same time let me present my hearty gratulations on the proper honor you have received from our country. I anticipate good to the public & new lustre to my friend notwithstanding the obstinate difficultys & embarrassments which...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 26 August 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I am unwilling that my enthusiasm in favour of your university should not be effectively known to you, I therefore take occasion, even at the risk of tasking your condescension & patience, to mention that in addition to M r Wallace who is now at the university, the two Browns, Richard & Frederick, are removed from the college here, & are to be sent at my instance, from to the University. I...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 28 July 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I now dispatch one of the youths I had some time ago the honour to mention to you, whose qualifications are less extended than those of the other two , but whose preparations for movement are more foward. His name is Robert Wallace, & his birth place the county of King George—though I know not that it is important to say, “to whom ( he is ) related, or by whom begot.” His age exceeds 16...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 24 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In addition to my letr of this day, I beg leave to ask yr. attention to some matters which very much concern myself, & to which I have long desired to call the appropriation of a few moments of yr. time. Shortly after I had the honor of an interview with you in Albermarle, I learnt from General Porterfield that you had mentioned to some of yr. acquaintance, that I had offered for sale Mr....
38To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 28 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to transmit to you the enclosed copy of a letter from Colonel Newton. The President will if he thinks proper direct measures to avert the apprehended evil. To the general Government I conceive belongs the right to act on the subject. The law in this Commonwealth relative thereto contemplates the Agency of the officers of the Customs who are now responsible only to the General...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 3 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of some military friends, and in compliance with a desire which I have for several years entertained, I am preparing a second edition of my fathers memoirs of the Southern war—with his own M.S. corrections, with the advantage of various suggestions from Col. Howard & with such additions and explanations as my own acquaintance with the subject will enable me to furnish. In this...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, Sr., 9 April 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
On the first Instant a Small Schoner Vessel tender to the Trimer privateer belonging to Goodrichs Company with 21 Men Commanded by one Dickson went up to Alexandria and in the Night Attempted to Cut out before the town a Vessel belonging to Baltimore. Fortunately they were discovered and the wind Changing prevented their Succeeding. They immediately made off down the river and were pursued by...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 4 May 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
Having had the honour to transmit to M r Jefferson a copy of the ‘campaign of ’71 in the Carolinas’, with a view of rendering it less unworthy of his perusal, I forward the accompanying paper MHi .
42To 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...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 9 May 1826 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last letter it has occurred to me that it should have contained an idea which I did not express. It is this—that under the circumstances in which the Governours of States, and the Continental Officers were placed, it is reasonable to suppose that however correct the conduct of the former may have been, the opinions of the latter would be unfavourable to them. Indeed, the more...
44To 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.
45To 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...
46To 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.;...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 6 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
From my knowledge of your unceasing desire to promote the welfare of your country and fellow citizens, joined to the singularity of the situation and circumstances of part of my property, am I induced to ask your attention and assistance. Did the consequences of your aid affect me only without advantaging the adjoining community, no temptation of profit could allure me to request your...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 14 July 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honour to transmit for your examination, a small political essay, which for a particular purpose I prepared some weeks ago. I sincerely hope that its style & sentiments may attract your notice without incurring your disapprobation. Your long and efficient patriotic labours, Your devotion to the freedom of this country & to the rights of mankind, your task for the elegant &...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Henry Lee, 4 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The intelligence contained in the letter from the British Consul at Norfolk of the 26th. ultimo, was repeated to me in letters of the same date from the Collector at that Port and from the Commandant of the Militia. They were submitted to the United States Attorney for this district , who did not consider the Privateer Republic as violating the established Neutrality. His opinion was forwarded...
50To 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...