To George Washington from Henry Lee, 20 June 1792
From Henry Lee
Richmond June 20[t]h 92
My dear Sir
I beg leave to make known to You the bearer hereof Mr Williams a portrait painter.1
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 introduction.
If his execution thereof, shall in any degree equal his anxiety on the occasion, he will do honor to himself—I confess I am interested in his success as he has promised to present the portrait to the C[ommon] Wealth in case it should be a good one, by which means we shall have the gratification of beholding daily the semblance of our beloved and illustrious Countryman.2 With the most respectful and affect. attachment I have the honor to be ever your ob. Sert
Henry Lee
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. William J. Williams (1763–1828) was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 22 of Alexandria, Virginia.
2. For GW’s negative reply to this letter, see GW to Lee, 3 July.