1869

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Book signed

Title: Memoirs of the war in the southern department of the United States.

Signed "R E Lee" on the verso of the half-title page. With revision and a biography of the author by Robert E. Lee. Published by University Publishing Company, New York. Spine-title "Memoirs of the War of '76."

GLC04008

8 August 1816

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Carter Lee

Counsels his son, Charles Carter Lee, who was attending Harvard. Tells him to acquire knowledge from its foundation and not on the surface: "this last turns man into a puppet & the first fits him for the highest activity & the most lasting pleasure." On writing he says: "never mind yr style -- ony write yr first impressions quickly & clear & honestly. Style will come in due time, as will the maturation of judgement." Tells him to love virtue. Enjoins him to correspond with his parents. Written from the West Indies, where Henry Lee was attempting to recover his health.

GLC04434

October 29, 1789

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Townsend Howe

This is actually three letters on one sheet of paper. Lee, a Revolutionary War General from Virginia, was writing about an advertisement for land, which he appears to have an interest in, placed by Robert Howe. The other two letters are each a page. One is dated November 3, 1789 and the other December 9, 1789. Lee says he cannot make it to Howe's land sale, but that he will promote it in his area. He wants to know the standard price Howe expects from prospective buyers. He hopes he will respond by the next post because he knows a gentleman who might buy the land, but needs the value. Howe's…

GLC00307.03

January 21, 1781

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

Written by Lieutenant Colonel "Light-Horse Harry" Lee to Major General Greene, the commander of the Southern Department. Written during Greene's retreat across North Carolina. Marked "express." Letter describing the stalling tactics he wishes to take against the British as he led the American rearguard. Claims the British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton left Hillsborough, North Carolina the previous night. Says militia are collecting and will advance on the enemy's right flank. Thinks it best that he joins North Carolina Governor Abner Nash once the enemy moves again and…

GLC02487

10 October 1789

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his recent honor (likely his appointment as Secretary of War). Asks, "whether the second revolution will produce half the good predicted by its friends and whether the eastern conspiracy in the house of representatives declared afterwards on the floor respecting the permanent seat of govt. will not prove [incontestibly] the [simplicity] of associating with them in a form of govt. where they possess a majority." Adds that it is only his desire to preserve the new government he fought hard to help create, that prevents him from arguing further. Declares, "In as many…

GLC02437.04385

30 April 1793

Lee, Henry, 1756-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says his proposed trip across the Atlantic must take place soon. Is at a loss to describe the situation in France. Hopes Knox can send him information. Wants his intentions kept secret though. Asks "is there any danger in passing the Atlantic in an American bottom?" Writes, "I hate a jail & dislike the idea of captivity." Says he wrote to Knox yesterday and enclosed intelligence on the Indians. He also asked for the money promised his state in that letter.

GLC02437.05883