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 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:...
3To 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...
4To 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...
5To 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.
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To 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.
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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)...
30To 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...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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 ."
34To 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...
35To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 28 June 1757. On 30 June 1757 GW wrote to Lee: “I have received yours of the 28th instant.”
36To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 May 1758 (Washington Papers)
In Obedience to His Honr The Presidents orders to me wch I inclose you a Copy off. I have Sent One hundred Men of this Militia Commanded by Capt. Thos McClanahan & Capt. William Tebbs to Garrison Fort Loudoun at Winchester. I have directed them to Apply to you for Arms & Ammunition & to the Commissary for Provisions: the arms sent for the Use of this County Not being yet Arrived. I am Sir Your...
37To George Washington from Henry Lee and Daniel Payne, 24 April 1767 (Washington Papers)
We are informed by Doctor William Savage that You became Security for Mrs Margeret G[r]een in a bond to Fairfax Court as the Law directs for the Administration of the Estate of the late Revd Mr Charles Green deced which Administration being vested in the said Savage We at his desire do hereby become Counter Security to you and do Oblige ourselves our Exrs and Admrs in the same Penalty and as...
38To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
It is with Particular Pleasure I communicate to you that the General Assembly have Appointed a Committee of both Houses, to present to you an Address Expressive of the high Sense they entertain of your Singular Services and Merits, in the late Glorious revolution. a Copy of Which the Committee have directed me to inclose and to Announce to your Excellency, their intention of Waiting upon you...
39To George Washington from Henry Lee, 15 November 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Henry Lee, 15 Nov. 1784. On 18 Nov. Lee wrote to GW : “I did myself the pleasure of writing to you on the 15th.”
40To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 April 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have Sent you by your Servant 2½ bushels of the Naked Italian Barley wch will be Enough for your ground as it branches much I never Sewed it very thick; it requires Strong Land, & never grows tall, has a thick Stem & large luxuriant heads, wch hangs near the Earth, and if Cut there is a great waste of the grain in harvesting; therefore I have it pulled up by the hand, and as it is a rear...
41To George Washington from Henry Lee, 28 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
I have Sent you by my Servant One bushel of Italian forward black eyed Peas they were first brought into this Country by Mr Madza on James river they are the best Sort of Pea of the kind. I am Sorry to hear you have an Attack of the Rheumatizm I have been Severely afflicted with it, this Winter & Spring tho’ I am now able to ride out—otherwise I should have paid my respects to you at Mount...
42To George Washington from Henry Lee, 2 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
The day after you left Alexa., I wrote to Mr Richard Lee in Richmond, requesting him to examine Docr Skinners papers for the pattents & to forward them to me. I have not received his reply. Mr Fendal is not yet decided whether he will go to Barbadoes or to Norfolk—Mrs Fendals situation is more & more precarious & perhaps Mr Fendal will judge it adviseable to proceed directly to the islands. I...
43To George Washington from Henry Lee, 11 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
It is probable I may take Magnolio in one or two days & send him to So. Carolina. Then let me ask the favor of your furnishing me with his pedigree & age certified & your bill of sale. The lands I pay for him I estimate at 50£. Since I saw you, I have hear’d that Mr John Page offers for the Westd district. This event will render it necessary for me to decline, otherwise the election may take...
44To George Washington from Henry Lee, 18 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
If you please, send off Magnolio tomorrow to be delivered to Mr W.A. Lee who lives at his mothers four Miles below Stafford Court-house —It is performable in one day if the horse starts very early. you will be so good as to have him shod & to direct that he wears his cloaths—for the cold weather will injure his appearance, otherwise. I enclose you my bond, as I beleive it will not be in our...
45To George Washington from Henry Lee, 23 December 1788 (Washington Papers)
It would give me great pleasure to wait on you tomorrow, but Mrs Lee situation p(revents) it. She is reduced as low nearly as e(ver) by violent attack of the former s(ickness) which continued for 3 days & nights wi(th) occasional intervals. I will communicate your invitation to Mr Lee &c. The bill of sale is reed, & Magnolio safely delivered agreable to my request for which I beg to return my...
46To George Washington from Henry Lee, 17 January 1789 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you have the patents for the land sold to you. I have Doer Skinners deed with me which is recorded in the general court, therefore when you please my conveyance can be made —It is my custom to convey only with special warrantee viz. against me & all claiming under me—this I hope will be satisfactory to you—the title I have not the smallest doubt of, should you think differently I will...
47To George Washington from Henry Lee, 6 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am willing to guarantee the land as you may choose, provided you will agreable to the spirit of our bargain secure my payment for the horse in Kentucky lands, should those sold to you prove insecure or doubtful in title. You have alone or in conjunction with Mr Lewis a tract of land near Suffolk, which if you incline to sell I shall be glad to negotiate for. I must trouble you to forward to...
48To George Washington from Henry Lee, 9 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
Too often am I obliged to intrude on your time, which I assure you I very reluctantly do, as I well know how much the business of others avocate your attention from your own concerns. But the importance of the business which I wish to receive your aid in, I hope will be deemed in some degree an apology. Mr Madison & myself have determined to make sale of part of our joint property at the great...
49To George Washington from Henry Lee, 14 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
I am most thankful my dear General for your transmission of this day—the mode you have adopted, is certainly unexceptionable, & the information you communicate will doubtless answer our wish, which is to acquaint our friend in Europe from the most respectable source, of the advantages of the scite at the great falls. Permit me however to add, that I cannot conceive it possible for the most...
50To George Washington from Henry Lee, 14 March 1789 (Washington Papers)
I shall leave your deed with Mr C. Lee, after having procured the most probable attendants on the general court, to witness it (of which he will be one). As the hour is at hand, when you must again leave your country & my departure this evening or tomorrow prevents my bidding you adieu in person, I beg leave now to offer my most sincere wishes for the continuation of your health and for...