Consists of selected letters and documents by and about members of the Lee family of Virginia. The Lee family is a historically significant Virginia political family, whose many prominent members are known for their accomplishments in politics and the military. They are descended from the Lees of Shropshire, England, and became prominent in colonial America when Colonel Richard Lee emigrated to Virginia and made his fortune in tobacco. Members of the family represented in this collection include Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734–1797) and Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794), both signers of the Declaration of Independence, Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee (1756-1818), and, most famously, Robert E. Lee (1807–1870), commander of the Confederate armies in the American Civil War.
Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]