Richard Henry Lee
Brief History
Richard Henry Lee was born to a famous family on January 20th 1732 in Westmoreland Virginia. He was oldest of four boys. He was tutored at home until he was sent to Wakefield Academy in England for the rest of his education. After he graduated he traveled throughout Europe. Eventually in 1752 he went back to Virginia. Then in 1757 he married Anne Aylett and had 4 children that survived all the way to adulthood. In 1758 he entered the House of Burgesses. After that Lee served in the Virginia house of Delegates during the War for Independence. He frequently missed meetings due to his poor health. After the conclusion of the war in 1783 he was unanimously elected president of Congress. Richard Henry Lee died on June 19, 1794 in Westmoreland, Virginia.
Richard Henry Lee was tall, thin, had a great singing voice, and due to a hunting accident he always wrapped black silk around one of his hands, but still used it. Some people said that he was a born orator. One person said his oratory was a legend. Lee had a rebellious spirit. That led him to being "outlawed" by English Governor Dunmore.
Richard Henry Lee was born to a famous family on January 20th 1732 in Westmoreland Virginia. He was oldest of four boys. He was tutored at home until he was sent to Wakefield Academy in England for the rest of his education. After he graduated he traveled throughout Europe. Eventually in 1752 he went back to Virginia. Then in 1757 he married Anne Aylett and had 4 children that survived all the way to adulthood. In 1758 he entered the House of Burgesses. After that Lee served in the Virginia house of Delegates during the War for Independence. He frequently missed meetings due to his poor health. After the conclusion of the war in 1783 he was unanimously elected president of Congress. Richard Henry Lee died on June 19, 1794 in Westmoreland, Virginia.
Richard Henry Lee was tall, thin, had a great singing voice, and due to a hunting accident he always wrapped black silk around one of his hands, but still used it. Some people said that he was a born orator. One person said his oratory was a legend. Lee had a rebellious spirit. That led him to being "outlawed" by English Governor Dunmore.
Political Life
Starting as a justice of the peace, Lee helped with minor cases, granted licenses, and many other things. Then Lee entered the House of Burgesses. Lee defended colonial rights until he gained a position of influence in the council. He was once said to lead a "mob of gentlemen" to the collector of stamps to make him promise not to serve in his official capacity (to not collect a tax under the Stamp Act). During a relatively quite time from 1768 to 1773, he shipped tobacco to his brother William in London. During the signing of the Constitution, Lee initially opposed it. Lee said that it lacked a Bill of Rights and that the Convention had exceeded its powers.
Lee was strongly opposed to slavery. He suggested that there should be a heavy tax on all slaves that were imported. Lee also watched the British government hoping that it didn't get to strong. In 1773, Lee became a member of the Virginia Committee of Correspondence. Lee was only a member for one year. Then he went to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia in 1774.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee representing Virginia at the Continental Congress said, "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." By July 4, 1776, twelve of the thirteen colonies had adopted the "Lee Resolution". The Declaration of Independence was originally signed on August 2, 1776, but Richard Henry Lee signed it on November 19, 1776, with Elbridge Gerry, and Oliver Wilcott.
French and Indian War
After Lee returned home from school in England, the French and Indian war was starting up. Wanting to join the fray, he formed a militia from his neighborhood. He was then appointed the commander of the militia. Then he marched his men to Alexandria where General Braddock was getting ready to go on a campaign on the Ohio River. His militia was turned down by the General and returned home.