Lee, Henry ("Light Horse Harry")

Autograph letter signed (" Henry Lee Junr"), 4 pages (8 7/8 x 7 1/8 in; 225 x178 mm), n.p. [near Georgetown, South Carolina], 27 January 1781, to General Nathanael Greene; light toning, the leaves neatly inlaid. Coral moire folding case, blue morocco spine, red spine lables lettered gilt.

Sold, Christie's New York, 14 December 1984, lot 209

A fine wartime letter from Lee to his commander in which he proposes an attack on the British at Georgetown, South Carolina.  He reports that he has "detached Capt. Eggleston with a party of dragoons to pass the Santee & destroy the places on the Congaree [River] ... I have not heard whether he has got over or not ... Geo[rge]town is reinforced ...The fort cannot be carried by bayonet unless with a very great loss, nor can the troops accomplish any business in the town after destroying the Garrison unless the fort is taken ... If you approve of the attempt & there is not possible danger in the execution, please to order the troops to Mr. Ben. Post's there to receive my orders ... You might send the cannon ... with a detachment of troops to reinforce Gen. Morgan. On their moving four or five miles up the river, the troops would be counter ordered after night  & the cannon put in boats & pass down the river ... If you can do this General & send down two boats which will convey one hundred men, I will present you with a large [?success] without any loss."  Lee and Francis Marion successfully occupied the town on 24 January but the fort itself remained impregnable. Greene had taken no action on Lee's request and he was forced to withdraw for lack of additional troops and artillery