Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee

Overview

Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee was a prominent cavalry officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He led his own unit, known as “Lee’s Legion,” and fought in several important battles and campaigns. After the war, he supported ratification of the United States Constitution and served as the Governor of Virginia. Lee delivered the eulogy for George Washington, where he referred to him as First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Outside of his military career, Lee is best known as the father of Robert E. Lee.

Personal Facts

• Full Name: Henry Lee III.
• Nickname: “Light-Horse Harry.”
• Born: January 29, 1756, in Leesylvania, Virginia.
• Parents: Colonel Henry Lee II (father) and Lucy Grymes (mother).
• Spouses: Matilda Lee (1782), Anne Hill Carter (1793).
• Died: March 25, 1818, at Cumberland Island, Georgia. 62 years old.
• Buried: University Chapel at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
• Part Of: Continental Army, Federalist Party.
• Quote: He later became famous for saying George Washington was “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”
• Significance: Henry Lee is important to American History for his role in the American Revolutionary War and for being the father of Robert E. Lee. He is recognized as one of the most distinguished cavalry officers of the Revolutionary War.

Biography

Early Life

• Henry Lee was born in Leesylvania, Virginia, in 1756.
• He was part of the prominent Lee Family and descended from four generations of Lees.
• He was expected to become both a planter and a lawyer.

Education

• Lee studied at the College of New Jersey (present-day Princeton University).

• He was 17 when he graduated from college in 1773.
• He planned to go to England and study law at the Middle Temple. This plan was interrupted by the start of the American Revolutionary War.

American Revolutionary War

• Like many young men at the time, Henry Lee sought military glory.
• In June 1776, he received a commission as a Captain in a regiment of Virginia cavalry under the command of Theodorick Bland.
• His company joined the 1st Continental Dragoons in 1777 and became part of George Washington’s Continental Army in New Jersey.

During the war, Lee and General George Washington developed a friendship. Although he was only 21, Lee impressed Washington with his battlefield discipline and leadership.

• By February 1777, he was stationed in Morristown, New Jersey, leading scouting missions for Washington.

AHC Notes

• Theodorick Bland (1742–1790) — Bland was a cavalry officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He is most famous for failing to properly scout the movements of the British forces during the Battle of Brandywine, which contributed to their victory. Bland is believed to be a descendant of Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan.

Philadelphia Campaign

Lee served in the Northern Theater and fought in the Philadelphia Campaign (1777–1778). Washington relied heavily on cavalry units for reconnaissance during the campaign.

On September 18, 1777, Lee and Colonel Alexander Hamilton led a small force to the Continental supply depot at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to remove supplies. However, General William Howe also sent a unit of troops to raid the storehouse.

Lee recalled that he and Hamilton, “…were dispatched in front of the enemy, with the order of execution. The mill, or mills, stood on the bank of the Schuylkill. Approaching, you descend a long hill leading to a bridge over the mill-race. On the summit of the hill two vedettes were posted; and soon after the party reached the mills, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton took possession of a flat-bottomed boat for the purpose of transporting himself and his comrades across the river, should the sudden approach of the enemy render such a retreat necessary.”

The Americans were in the process of removing the supplies when one of the vedettes fired a warning shot, indicating the British expedition was approaching.

• It was late afternoon when the British arrived.
• Believing they were outnumbered, the Americans fled.
• Hamilton and six dragoons climbed onto the barge and tried to move down the Schuylkill River.
• Lee, two dragoons, and the vedettes (sentries on horses) escaped over the bridge as the British fired on them at close range.

1778

• On January 20, 1778, Lee successfully defended the Spread Eagle Tavern near Valley Forge from a British attack.
• Congress recognized his bravery on April 7, 1778, promoting him to the rank of Major.

1779

• On July 13, 1779, his command became known as “Lee’s Legion,” which included mounted infantry.
• Lee’s Legion gained fame by engaging British forces in the “Neutral Ground” around Westchester County, New York.
• He led the successful raid on the British outpost at Paulus Hook (August 15, 1779), earning a Congressional medal.
• In October 1779, three infantry companies were added to his unit.

AHC Notes

• Battle of Paulus Hook (August 19, 1779) — Lee led a surprise American attack on the British outpost at Paulus Hook, New Jersey. Using intelligence gathered by Captain Allan McLane and operating under Washington’s guidance, Lee and his men captured the position and inflicted significant losses with minimal casualties. Lee withdrew when British reinforcements were sent to Paulus Hook. This action boosted American morale and embarrassed the British. Congress awarded Lee a gold medal for the raid.

Siege of Charleston

In early 1780, Lee’s Legion was sent to South Carolina to assist American forces during the Siege of Charleston. He arrived after Charleston fell to the British in May 1780.

Greene’s Southern Campaign

By November 1780, Lee was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and ordered to assist General Nathanael Greene during Greene’s Southern Campaign (1780–1781). Lee’s Legion became one of the most respected and effective Continental units in the South, and he frequently worked with Francis Marion.

AHC Notes

Race to the Dan (January–February 1781) — After the Battle of Cowpens, General Charles Cornwallis pursued General Daniel Morgan and his army, while both Morgan and General Greene marched into North Carolina, moving northeast. North Carolina Militia forces engaged the British, slowing their pursuit. Greene considered making a stand at Guilford Court House, but was convinced it was best to avoid battle, move into Virginia, and cross the Dan River. Morgan was suffering from an illness, so Greene gave the command of his rear guard to Colonel Otho Holland Williams, who was assisted by Lee and his Legion. Williams and Lee covered Greene’s march, and he crossed the Dan River on February 13. The rear guard crossed the next day. Cornwallis was unable to cross the river due to a lack of boats and high water.

Raid on Georgetown (January 24, 1781) — Lee and General Francis Marion led a raid on the British garrison at Georgetown, South Carolina. Although they captured Lieutenant Colonel George Campbell, they were unable to force the 200-man British garrison from its fortified position, which was supported by an armed sloop. Lacking artillery and siege tools, Lee and Marion released Campbell on parole and withdrew.

Battle of Haw River (February 25, 1781) — Working with General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina, Lee devised a plan to trap a Loyalist militia force near the Haw River in North Carolina. Disguised as British troops, they tricked Colonel John Pyle’s men into lowering their guard. Lee’s cavalry then attacked, catching them by surprise. This stopped Pyle from joining British forces, leaving Cornwallis without Loyalist support at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. This incident is also known as “Pyle’s Massacre.”

Battle of Guilford Court House (March 15, 1781) — At Guilford Court House, North Carolina, Nathanael Greene’s army of Continentals and militia faced General Charles Cornwallis’s smaller but experienced British force. Although the British won the battlefield, they suffered crippling losses that forced Cornwallis to withdraw to Wilmington. The costly victory weakened British control in the South and paved the way for their defeat at Yorktown later that year.

• Lee and his men took part in the early morning clash with Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton’s advance guard. This was around 10:00 a.m. and several miles from Guilford Court House. Both sides withdrew to join the main battle.
• Lee, along with Virginia riflemen, fought on the left flank of the first American line.
• Lee’s men fired on British forces advancing through the center, inflicting significant casualties.
• Lee’s Legion held its ground after the North Carolina militia fled, delaying the British advance.
• Lee’s Legion, along with Charles Lynch’s riflemen and William Washington’s cavalry, helped protect the American flanks from collapse.
• He supported the withdrawal of American flankers and helped cover the army’s retreat.

Siege of Augusta (May 22–June 6, 1781) — Lee and General Andrew Pickens of South Carolina defeated Loyalist forces and captured Fort Grierson and Fort Cornwallis. This helped eliminate the last British strongholds in Georgia and gave the Americans control of the Backcountry.

Siege of Ninety Six (May 22–June 19, 1781) — For 28 days, Greene’s Army laid siege to the British stronghold at Ninety Six, which was defended by Lieutenant Colonel John Harris Cruger. Despite a determined effort, Greene’s forces failed due to strategic errors, and the arrival of British reinforcements led by General Francis Rawdon. Although it was a tactical defeat for the Americans, the siege led to the British evacuation of Ninety Six, ending their control of South Carolina’s interior.

• After helping capture Augusta, Lee went to Ninety Six. He arrived on June 8, 1781.
• Greene ordered Lee to open siegeworks against Holmes Fort, a small outpost protecting the garrison’s water supply.
• Lee’s men faced fierce nighttime attacks from British forces during the siege.
• By June 12, Lee positioned his artillery and riflemen to fire into the ravine below Holmes Fort.
• This cut off the British garrison’s access to water during the intense summer heat.
• This weakened the defenders and helped push the siege toward its final phase.
• Despite his success, Greene was still forced to withdraw.

Battle of Eutaw Springs (September 8, 1781) — Fought near Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, this was the final major engagement of Greene’s Southern Campaign. The Americans launched a surprise attack, driving the British from their camp. With victory at hand, the Americans became distracted by looting the camp, giving the British time to regroup and launch a counterattack. Although the British held the field, their heavy losses forced a retreat toward Charleston. The battle weakened British control in the South and helped set the stage for the American victory at Yorktown a month later.

• Lee commanded roughly 300 dragoons (mounted infantry).
• His Legion formed part of the American advance near the front of Greene’s marching column.
• Lee saw an opportunity and tried to turn the British left flank early in the engagement, but was stopped by the 63rd Regiment of Foot.
• His cavalry and infantry helped resist the British advance after the militia fell back.
• Captain Michael Rudolph led Lee’s infantry in a successful bayonet attack on the exposed British left.
• Lee directed the right side of the American line while Greene commanded the left.
• Lee’s cavalry charged Major John Coffin’s cavalry during a British counterattack, but the move was disrupted by heavy fire from Major John Majoribanks’s entrenched British troops.

Lee’s Legion

Lee’s Legion stood out among American cavalry units for the strict training, discipline, and mobility that it demonstrated during the war.

• Lee’s men were able to travel long distances quickly and coordinate effectively in battle.
• He became one of the most reliable cavalry officers in the Continental Army.
• Lee was skilled in scouting and effective when given command of expeditions
• His leadership earned him a strong reputation among American officers.

Yorktown

• Lee was present for part of the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.
• He witnessed the British surrender.

Post-War Life

• Lee took a leave of absence from the Army in 1782 and was honorably discharged.
• He was exhausted from years of campaigning and frustrated by the lack of recognition
• He married his cousin Matilda Lee after returning to Virginia.
• Matilda died in 1790.
• He married Anne Hill Carter in 1793, who also came from a prominent Virginia family. Their son, Robert Edward, was born in 1807.

AHC Notes

• Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) — Lee was a prominent army officer who fought in the Mexican-American War and helped end John Browns Raid on Harpers Ferry (1859). Afterward, he commanded the Army of Northern Virginia throughout most of the Civil War. He also served as General-in-Chief of Confederate forces near the end of the war. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House is considered by many to be the end of the Confederacy.

Post-War Career

• Lee served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
• He was a delegate to the Confederation Congress (1785–1788).
• Lee participated in the Virginia Ratifying Convention (1788).
• He supported the ratification of the Constitution, was associated with the Federalist Party, and supported President George Washington.
• Lee later served as a U.S. Representative and as the 9th Governor of Virginia (1791 to 1794).
• In 1792, he considered going to France and becoming involved in the French Revolution, but Washington convinced him not to.
• He briefly returned to military service during the Whiskey Rebellion (1791–1794).
• He was named a Major General in 1798.
• After Washington’s death, Lee wrote and delivered the eulogy, which included his famous quote, “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”

Later Years and Death

• In his later years, Lee suffered from poor health and financial hardship.
• Lee struggled financially because he speculated in Western lands and lost large sums.
• He moved from the family’s Stratford estate to Alexandria and relied on his second wife’s money.
• He lived beyond his means and was jailed in 1808–1809 for failing to repay debts.
• In 1812, Lee was badly injured in the Baltimore Riots while defending publishers who opposed the War of 1812.
• He published Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department (1812), which detailed his exploits in the South during the war.
• He never recovered his health after the attack.
• In 1813, he went to the West Indies, hoping to restore his health, but some believe he left to escape from his debts.
• He returned to the United States and was taken in by General Nathanael Greene’s daughter, Louisa, in Georgia.
• He died in 1818.

Milestones and Accomplishments

• 1756, January 29 — Henry Lee was born in Virginia.
• 1773 — Lee graduated from Princeton University.
• 1775 — He joined the Continental Army as a cavalry Captain.
• 1777, February — Lee was stationed in Morristown, New Jersey, scouting for General George Washington.
• 1778, January 20 — Lee repelled an enemy raid near Valley Forge.
• 1778, April 7 — He was promoted to major.
• 1779, July 13 — His command became known as Lee’s Legion.
• 1779, August 15 — Lee led a successful attack on Paulus Hook and received a medal from Congress.
• 1780, May — Lee’s Legion arrived in South Carolina after the Siege of Charleston.
• 1781, February 25 — His Legion defeated a Loyalist unit at the Battle of Haw River.
• 1781, October — Lee witnessed the British surrender at Yorktown.
• 1782, February — He resigned from the Continental Army.
• 1791–1794 — Lee served as governor of Virginia.
• 1794 — He commanded troops that suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion.
• 1812 — Lee published Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department.
• 1818, March 25 — He died in Georgia while returning from the West Indies.

Appendix

Narrative

AHC Note — This narrative of the life of Henry Lee is from the Dictionary of American Biography (1943). Please note that minor text corrections have been made and additional spacing has been added to improve readability.

Henry Lee, better known as “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, was a soldier and statesman. He was born at “Leesylvania,” near Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia. He was the son of Henry Lee, a cousin of the Lees of “Stratford,” and a descendant of Richard Lee. His mother, Lucy Grymes, is claimed by tradition to have been one of George Washington’s boyhood loves. Lee graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1773 at the age of 17.

He was preparing to go to England to study law, having been admitted to the Middle Temple, but the impending Revolution changed his plans and his career. 

In 1776, he was appointed a Captain in Theodorick Bland’s regiment of Virginia cavalry, and in April 1777, his company joined Washington’s Army, which needed cavalry. Lee’s soldierly qualities were recognized from the first, and, young as he was, he was admitted to Washington’s friendship and confidence. They remained close friends until Washington’s death 

In January 1778, Lee was promoted to Major and put in command of a somewhat irregular force consisting of three troops of cavalry and three companies of infantry, known as “Lee’s Legion.” This force, on July 19, 1779, performed one of the most brilliant feats of the war by surprising the British post at Paulus Hook near New York, in which 160 of the enemy were captured almost without loss. It was comparable to Wayne’s taking of Stony Point.

• In 1780, Lee, now a Lieutenant Colonel, was sent south to join Nathanael Greene, who was in great need of a competent cavalry commander. His subsequent story is the history of the Southern campaign. 
• In the remarkable retreat across North Carolina to Virginia, in February 1781, Lee covered the rear of Greene’s army, constantly skirmishing with Tarleton’s British troopers, who were unable to prevail over the American cavalry. 
• Turning suddenly aside from the main issue, Lee cut to pieces a force of Loyalists on the way to join Cornwallis, thereby greatly discouraging the British faction in the Carolinas. 
• At Guilford Courthouse, March 15, 1781, he fought brilliantly but failed to keep Greene informed of his position, and after a hard-fought battle, he was forced to retreat.
• It was Lee who gave Greene the advice that he should march south instead of following Cornwallis into Virginia. 
• He continued his brilliant career by capturing several British forts, among them Augusta, Georgia, and he seems to have saved the drawn battle of Eutaw Springs, September 8, 1781, from being an American defeat. 
• It was his good fortune to be present at the siege of Yorktown and to witness the surrender of the British on October 19, 1781.

Lee now concluded that the war was over and resigned his commission. 

A hero, one of the most notable Virginia soldiers, he won the hand of his cousin, Matilda Lee, heiress of “Stratford,” whom he married early in 1782. By her, he had several children, of whom a son, Henry Lee (1787–1837), and a daughter survived. 

Turning to politics, he entered the Virginia House of Delegates in 1785 and in the same year was sent to the Continental Congress, where he served, with one brief interruption, until 1788. 

He was an active member of the Virginia Convention that ratified the United States Constitution in 1788 and voted in favor of that measure. He was always a consistent Federalist and follower of Washington. 

In 1790, after his wife’s death, he considered going to France for military service, as he was still young and enamored of war. It was unfortunate that he did not do so, for he was unfit for civil life. He gave up this plan in order to marry, on June 18, 1793, a second wife, Anne Hill Carter, of “Shirley.” The fifth child of this marriage was Robert E. Lee. 

From 1791 to 1794, he served as the Governor of Virginia. In 1794, he was chosen by President Washington to command the army assembled to put down the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania. Lee managed to quell this uprising without the loss of life and enhanced his prestige. 

In 1799, he entered Congress. 

The resolutions offered by John Marshall on the death of Washington were drawn by Lee and contained the description of Washington as “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” Lee repeated the phrase in his memorial oration in Philadelphia on December 26, 1799.

Thus far, Lee’s life had been prosperous and happy; it was never again to be anything but sad and troubled. For some years, he lived at Stratford, harassed by debt and besieged by creditors. 

One of the most dashing and capable of soldiers, a fine orator, a learned and accomplished man of letters, Lee was wanting in all the qualities of a businessman. His income was small, his expenditures enormous, and he became heavily involved in land speculation. 

In 1808–1809, he was imprisoned for debt and wrote his Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States, published in two volumes in 1812. He left Stratford in 1811 to live in Alexandria, where his wife and second family would have suffered want but for Mrs. Lee’s own means. 

He was always adventurous and whimsical. While in Baltimore in July 1812, he attempted to aid his friend, Alexander C. Hanson, in defending the press of the Federal Republican against a mob threatening violence. Lee and others were taken to jail. The following night, the mob was admitted to the jail, and in the riot which followed, he received injuries from which he never recovered.

Handicapped now by ill health as well as by poverty, he succeeded, by the aid of the government, in reaching the West Indies, where he remained for several years, hoping for a cure. 

It was all in vain. Warned that death was approaching, he set sail for home, but his strength gave out on the way. He was set ashore at Cumberland Island, Georgia, and was tenderly cared for by the daughter of his old commander, Greene. There he died and was buried. 

In 1913, his remains were transferred to the Lee Chapel at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Lee was not only one of the first but also one of the best of American cavalry soldiers.