Henry Lee
Henry Lee was a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War, known for his leadership and tactical skills. Hailing from Virginia, he initially served as a captain in a cavalry unit under General George Washington. His talents soon earned him a promotion to major, where he commanded Lee's Legion, consisting of cavalry and infantry troops. Lee's strategic prowess was evident when he orchestrated a successful surprise attack on British forces at Paulus Hook in 1779, capturing nearly 160 enemy soldiers. He continued to contribute significantly in the southern campaign alongside General Nathanael Greene, where his cavalry played a vital role in covering retreats and executing critical raids, effectively hindering British advances. Despite facing fierce battles at places like Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs, his unit's primary focus was on skirmishes and reconnaissance. After the war, Lee transitioned to a life as a planter and politician, while also documenting his experiences in memoirs. He was the father of Robert E. Lee, who would later become a notable Confederate general.
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Henry Lee
Armed Forces Personnel
- Born: January 29, 1756
- Birthplace: Near Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia
- Died: March 25, 1818
- Place of death: Cumberland Island, Georgia
Also known as: Light Horse Harry
Born: January 29, 1756; near Dumfries, Prince William County, Virginia
Died: March 25, 1818; Cumberland Island, Georgia
Principal war: American Revolution
Principal battles: Paulus Hook (1779), Guilford Courthouse (1781), Eutaw Springs (1781)
Military significance: An accomplished horseman and fearless cavalryman, Lee successfully commanded a legion of cavalry and infantry during the American Revolution. His victory at Paulus Hook was one of the most impressive feats of the war.
A Virginian, Henry Lee initially served in the American Revolution (1775–1783) as captain of a troop of cavalrymen under General George Washington. His natural abilities as a scout and leader led, in 1778, to his promotion to major and the command of three troops of cavalry and three companies of infantrymen, collectively known as Lee’s Legion. In 1779, Lee and his troops surprised the British at Paulus Hook near New York, in a brilliant maneuver that resulted in the capture of nearly 160 of the enemy. In 1780, Lieutenant Colonel Lee joined General Nathanael Greene in the southern campaign, where his cavalry conducted several crucial raids and covered Greene’s army as they retreated through North Carolina. Thwarted by Lee and his Legion, British cavalry were unable to break through to stop Greene and his men.
Although Lee’s Legion fought valiantly in several battles, including Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs, both in the 1781 southern campaign, their primary role was to harass the British in skirmishes, provide cover for the ground troops, and act as scouts. At such, Lee was brilliant.
In 1782, Lee resigned from the army to become a planter and politician. He also published his memoirs and fathered several children, including Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general.
Bibliography
Gerson, Noel Bertram. Light Horse Harry: A Biography of Washington’s Great Cavalryman, General Henry Lee. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1966.
Lee, Henry. The Revolutionary War Memoirs of General Henry Lee. Edited by Robert E. Lee. New York: Da Capo Press, 1998.
Royster, Charles. Light Horse Harry Lee and the Legacy of the American Revolution. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1994.