1To James Madison from the Governor of Virginia, 6 December 1793 (Madison Papers)
In obedience to the direction of the General Assembly I transmit a copy of the resolutions passed by that honorable body respecting the late unexpected decision of the supreme Court of the United States which asserts that Court’s right of Jurisdiction in all controversies wherein a State may be a party, and I flatter myself that the request of the General Assembly will receive from you firm...
2To 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...
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 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...
5To 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...
6To 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...
7To James Madison from Henry Lee, 4 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Since your illness at Georgetown I have heard nothing of you, only that you had so far recovered as to proceed, until yesterday, when a gentleman from Alexandria told me that you had taken your seat in Congress. This information gave me pleasure, as it seemed to communicate your complete recovery, as well as because it assured me that you was executing your duty at a time which seems big with...
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To James Madison from Henry Lee, 6 June 1795 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 June 1795, Richmond. Introduces Mr. Hopkins, “a gentleman from Newyork on a visit to our western country.” RC ( NjP ). 1 p. Directed by Lee to “Mr Madison,” but recipient’s identity is uncertain.
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To 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...
19To 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...
20To 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...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To 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...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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 :...
31To 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...
32To 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...
33To 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...
34To 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...
35To 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...
36To 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...
37To 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...
38To 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...
39To 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, &...
40To 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...
41To James Madison from Henry Lee, 25 January 1790 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to make known to you the bearer Docr. Morrow. He was early engaged in the service of the U States as a naval surgeon. He continued in this employment thro various vicissitudes, suffering extreme hardships, & acquitted himself with honor & reputation. He understands that naval hospitals will be established & wishes to resume his old employment. His knowledge, his amiability of...
42To 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.”
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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...
48To 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.
49To 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...
50To James Madison from Henry Lee, 23 September 1794 (Madison Papers)
I hear with real joy that you have joined the happy circle & that too in the happiest manner. To your lady present my most respectful congratulations. She will soften I hope some of your political asperitys. The day which blessed you cursed me. I left my family to join the troops destined to restore order in Pensylvania. What a cursed event, who could have supposed such a disaster possible in...