part with you. May God bless you and give the American States waved from the capitol. you success and safety and make you the June 12th, the Bill of Rights prepared by glorious instrument of saving our country." Mr. Jefferson, (who was at this time in PhilHenry dined on that day with the officers at adelphia,) was adopted and on the 29th, a the Raleigh tavern and in the afternoon they constitution, mainly composed by George proposed to escort him out of town. The Mason. This gentleman, the author of the soldiers, however, now assembled tumultu- first written constitution in the world, was ously and unwilling to serve under any other pre-eminent for his enlarged views, profound commander, demanded their discharge. Col. wisdom, extensive information and the pure Henry, therefore, found it necessary to re- simplicity of his republican principles. As main a night longer in Williamsburg and a speaker he was earnest and impressive, but visiting the barracks in company of Colo- devoid of all rhetorical grace. nel Christian and other officers, he employ

Patrick Henry, Jr., was elected the first ed his eloquence in allaying the commo- republican governor of Virginia, he receiv tions which had arisen. Love and admira- ing 60 votes and Thomas Nelson 45. The tion for Henry pervaded the whole army and salary was fixed at £1000 per annum. The the great body of the people. In March he first council appointed under the constituwas addressed by ninety officers at Kemp's tion consisted of John Page, Dudley Digges, Landing, at Suffolk and at Williamsburg, John Tayloe, John Blair, Benjamin Harriupon the indignity offered him, whose elo- son of Berkeley, Bartholomew Dandridge, quence had first taught them to resent op- Thomas Nelson and Charles Carter of Shirpression and whose resolution had first led ley. Mr. Nelson on account of his infirm them forward to resist it. This indignity old age declining the appointment, his place they attributed to envy. It seemed to them was supplied by Benjamin Harrison of Branindeed an effort to fetter and retard in his don. [7th of June, 1776,] a resolution in upward flight the republican eagle, whose favor of a total and immediate separation adventurous wing had launched into the from Great Britain was moved in Congress storm, while others sate crouching in their by Richard Henry Lee and seconded by nests mute and thunderstruck. Immediate- John Adams. [June 28th,] a committee ly upon his return to Hanover, Mr. Henry was was appointed to prepare a declaration of returned a delegate to the Convention. This independence. The members of the combody assembled in the capitol at Williamsburg, mittee were Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, [6th of May, 1776.] Edmund Pendleton Benjamin Franklin and Robert R. Livingswas elected president. This eminent man, ton. Richard Henry Lee, the mover of the born in Caroline county, [1741,] had over-resolution, had been compelled by the illcome the disadvantages of a defective edu-ness of Mrs. Lee to leave Congress on the cation by study and good company. In day of the appointment of the committee. person he was spare, his countenance no- Mr. Lee's place was filled by Roger Sher

With a vigorous judgment he united man. The declaration of independence was indefatigable application and thus became a adopted, [4th of July, 1776.] It was comprofound lawyer and consummate states- posed mainly by Mr. Jefferson. † The Virman. A zealous churchman, he never lost ginia delegates who subscribed it were his veneration for the hierarchy. His man- George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas were graceful and dignified. As a Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelspeaker he was distinguished by a melodi- son, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee and Carter ous voice, a distinct elocution, fluency, vigor, Braxton. urbanity and simplicity.

ners

May 15th the convention unanimously adopted resolutions instructing the Virginia delegates in Congress to propose to that PP. body to "declare the United Colonies free and independent States." On the next day a feu de joie was fired and the Union flag of Wirt's Life of Henry.

Thomas Nelson, Jr., son of Hon. Wil

1 Writings of Jefferson, p. 10.

+ See copy of original draught of the Declaration, lb.,

16-22 and fac simile of the MS. appended to vol. 4.

There is preserved at Shelly, in Gloucester county, Virginia, seat of Mrs. Mann Page, a daughter of General Nelson, a fine portrait of him, taken while he was a sludent at Eton, by an artist nained Chamberlin, London, 1754. I was informed by Mrs. Page that her father never afterwards would consent to sit again for a portrait and that

liam Nelson, sometime President of the took to raise two millions of dollars in aid of Council of Virginia, was born at York, De- Congress, General Nelson raised a large sum cember 26, 1738. At the age of fifteen he by pledging his own property as security. was sent to England to be educated. [1774.] By this magnanimous course he brought He entered upon public life in Virginia as upon himself enormous losses. [1781.] a member of the House of Burgesses. He When Virginia was invaded, Gen. Nelson was a member of the conventions of 1774 was employed in endeavoring to oppose the and 1775, and displayed extraordinary bold- enemy. In a period of great public distress ness in opposing the British tyranny. He he succeeded Mr. Jefferson in the office of was afterwards appointed Colonel of a Vir- Governor. In providing troops and stores ginia regiment. In 1775 and 1776 he was a for the siege of York, Governor Nelson dismember of Congress. In the summer of played the greatest patriotism and energy. 1777 ill health obliged him to resign his seat He was present in command of the Virginand return to Virginia. Here he was short- ia militia at the siege and received from ly after appointed Brigadier General and Washington an acknowledgment of his valCommander-in-chief of all the military for- uable services. This generous patriot, howces of the State. His popularity was now ever, did not escape the shafts of slander, unbounded. When a motion was made to and his noble efforts in the cause of his sequester the debts due to British merchants, country subjected him to ingratitude and unhe opposed it with manly firmness. When merited reproach. the American cause seemed about to be Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berkeley, overwhelmed, and Congress made an appeal was descended from ancestors who were to young men of property and influence, among the early settlers of Virginia. His Gen. Nelson issued an animated address and father was of the same name, his mother succeeded in enlisting about seventy young a daughter of Robert, (called King) CarVirginians in a volunteer corps and furnish- ter of Corotoman. Benjamin Harrison, ed a number of them from his own purse. Jr., was educated at the College of Wil[1779.] He was for a short time in Congress, liam and Mary. Long a member of the when ill health again caused him to return House of Burgesses for the county of Charles to Virginia. [1780.] When Virginia under- City, [Nov. 14, 1764,] he was one of a committee chosen to prepare an address to the king, a memorial to the House of Lords and

when Col. Trumbull was engaged in his piece, "The Sign-a remonstrance to the House of Commons, ers of the Declaration of Independence," intended for the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington, Chamberlin's portrait was forwarded to Trumbull, but it not answering his purpose, being too youthful, he copied from Thomas Nel son, son of the General, and said to be very like him

Mrs. Page inentioned to me as among the earliest recollec

in opposition to the Stamp Act. [1774.] He was a delegate from Virginia to the first Continental Congress, of which his brotherin-law, Peyton Randolph, was President. tions of her childhood, her having seen Lord and Lady [June 10th, 1776.] As Chairman of the comDunmore at the palace in Williamsburg. She remembered mittee of the whole House, Mr. Harrison intoo that in 1776 she was taken into the State House introduced the resolution declaring the indePhiladelphia by the Hon. John Penn. During the revolu tionary war she accompanied her mother from Yorktown to pendence of the colonies, and on the 4th of July he reported the Declaration of IndeOffley, a plantation belonging to General Nelson, being too pendence, of which he was one of the sign

the county of Hanover, to avoid the enemy. The house at

small for the accommodation of his family, it was found necessary to build an additional room, and in the interim

they occupied a house, the property of Patrick Henry, at Scotch-town, and Mrs. P. saw him there. She was at school with two of his daughters. Thus far the reminis cences of this venerable lady.

The first of the Nelsons of Virginia was Thomas, son of Hugh and Sarah Nelson, of Penrith, Cumberland county, England. He was born February 20, 1677, and died October 7, 1745, aged 68. Coming from a border county, which had formerly belonged to Scotland, he was styled "Scotch Tom." He was an importing merchant and Yorktown was in his day and for a long time the sea-port town of Virginia. He was father of the Hon. William Nelson, (President,) and Thomas Nelson, (Secretary)

ers. He was four times returned a delegate to Congress from Virginia. After the expiration of his term of service in that body, he was elected Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses, which office he held until 1782, when he was chosen Governor of the State. †

* He married Elizabeth Harrison.

+ The common ancestor of the Harrisons of Berkley and of Brandon was Benjamin Harrison of Surrey. He was born in that county 1645 and died 1712. It was long believed by the Harrisons of Virginia, that they were lineally descended from the celebrated Col. John Harrison, the friend of Cromwell and one of the regicides. This opin

George Wythe was born, [1726,] in Eliza-length the most accomplished Latin and Greek beth City county, Virginia, on the shores of scholar in Virginia. He pursued other stuthe Chesapeake Bay. His father was a pru- dies with a like success. His parents dying dent farmer of estimable character. George before he became of age and his father leavWythe enjoyed but limited advantages of ing him a competent fortune, he fell into school education and his early tuition was idleness and dissipation. At the age of principally directed by his mother, and it is thirty, however he abandoned that course of related that he acquired a knowledge of the life and devoted himself with unremitted inLatin classics from her instructions. * Mr. dustry to the study of the law under Mr. Jefferson mentions that while young Wythe John Lewis. Mr. Wythe in after life often was studying the Greek Testament, his moth- deplored the loss of so many golden years of er held an English one to aid him in the his early life. His learning, judgment, intranslation. By dint of application and dustry and eloquence soon raised him to emthis maternal assistance, he came to be at inence at a bar adorned by men of learning, ability and dignity. Early elected a member of the house of burgesses, he continued a member of it until the revolution. At the

ion, however, appears to be erroneous. The first of the family in Virginia was the Hon. Benjamin Harrison, a member of the council in Virginia. He lies buried in the dawn of that event, Mr. Wythe in common yard of an old church, near Cabin Point, in the county of

Surrey. The following is his epitaph:-"Here lyeth the with his pupil, Thomas Jefferson, and the Body of the Hon. BENJAMIN HARRISON, Esqe, who did venerable Richard Bland, assumed the bold Justice, loved Mercy, and walked humbly with his God; ground, that the Crown was the only conwas always loyall to his Prince and a great Benefactor to necting link between the Colonies and Great his Country. He was born in this Parish, the 20th day of September, 1645, and departed this Life the 30th day of Britain. [Nov. 14th, 1764,] Mr. Wythe was January, 1712-13." It is certain that this Benjamin Har a member of a committee of the house of

rison, born in Southwark parish, Surrey, Virginia, in 1645, burgesses appointed to prepare a Petition

during the civil war in England, could not be the son of

Col. Harrison, the regicide. He may, however, have been to the king, a Memorial to the Lords and a a collateral relation. That this Benjamin Harrison, of Remonstrance to the Commons on the subSurrey, was the first of the family in Virginia, is confirmed ject of the Stamp Act. He prepared the by some ancient wills still preserved. He had three sons, Remonstrance in conformity with his radical of whom Benjamin, the eldest, settled at Berkley. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Louis Burwell of Glouces- principles. It was, however, greatly moditer, and was an eminent lawyer and sometime Speaker of fied by the Assembly before assenting to it. the House of Burgesses. He died in April, 1710, aged 37, [May, 1765,] Mr. Wythe in common with leaving an only son Benjamin and an only daughter Elizabeth. The son Benjamin married a daughter of Robert, Nicholas, Pendleton, Randolph and Bland, (called King) arter of Corotoman, in the county of Lan- opposed Patrick Henry's celebrated Resolucaster. Two daughters of this union were killed by the same flash of lightning at Berkley. Another daughter married Randolph of Wilton. The sons of this Ben jamin Harrison, and Carter his wife, were Benjamin, signer of the Declaration of Independence; Charles, a gen- gress. [1776] He signed the Declaration of

eral of the Revolution; Nathaniel, Henry, Colin and Car

tions as premature. Early in 1775, Mr. Wythe joined a corps of volunteers, but in August of that year became a member of Con

Independence, which he had strenuously supported in debate. He was twice married, first to a Miss Lewis, daughter of the gentleman under whom he had studied law; He died second to a Miss Taliaferro. *

ter H. From the last mentioned, are descended the Harrisons of Cumberland. Benjamin Harrison, Jr., of Berkley, the signer, married a Miss Basset. Their children were Benjamin, Carter B., sometime member of Congress, and William Henry, President of the United States, one daught er who married Randolph, and another, who married Copeland. So far the Berkley branch of the Harrisons. childless. Mr. Wythe was distinguished for The second son of Benjamin Harrison of Surrey, first his integrity, justice, patriotism, ardent love

of the family in Virginia, was Nathaniel. His eldest son

was named Nathaniel, and his only son was Benjamin Har- of liberty and a singular disinterestedness. rison, of Brandon, one of the council of Virginia, at the Temperance and regular habits gave him same time with Benjamin Harrison, Ji, of Berkley, about good health, sweet and modest manners enthe commencement of the Revolution. This Benjamin | His elocution Harrison, Esq., of Brandon, to whom I am indebted for was easy, his language chaste, his arrangemost of the foregoing particulars, relative to his ancient and ment lucid. Learned, urbane, logical, he eminent family. See 8 Hening, pp. 66 and 174. was not quick, but solid and profound.

Harrison of Brand in was father of the present William B. deared him to every one.

Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry, p. 65. This fact was communicated to Mr. Wirt by Judge Nelson, a relation of Mr. Wythe.

+ Writings of Jefferson, vol. 1, p. 92.

He

* Taliaferro, (pronounced Tolliver,) originally an Italian family, Tagliaferro. 2 Writings of Jefferson, pp. 44-229.

was of the middle size, well-formed, his face! manly and engaging. *

His early days were passed somewhat after the Spartau manner. His mother, one of the Richard Henry Lee was born at Stratford, high-toned aristocracy, confined her care to on the banks of the Potomac, January 20th, her daughters and her eldest son and left her 1732. His father was Thomas Lee; his younger sons pretty much to shift for mother a daughter of Colonel Ludwell of themselves. * After a course of private tuiGreenspring. t tion in his father's house, Richard Henry was

ography of the Signers, vol. 2. pp 160-184

* 1 Writings of Jefferson, pp. 92 94. Sanderson's Bi- sent to Wakefield Academy, Yorkshire, England, where he distinguished himself by his proficiency in his studies, particularly in the Latin and Greek. Having finished his course

at this school, he travelled through England

+ Life of Richard Henry Lee, by his grandson of the same name, vol. 1, pp. 57. Richard Lee, first of the fainily in Virginia, great grandfather of Richard Henry, a cavalier, emigrated from Ei gland to Virginia during the civil commotions in the time of Charles L., and making several voyages to the inother country, brought over with him a number of followers, each of whom received a portion of land in | convenient speed, cause my wife and children, all except the colony, under the title of "head-rights." He probably Francis if he be pleased, to be transported to Virginia settled at first in York, for he appears as a burgess of that and to provide all necessary for the voyage," &c. "To county, [1647,] | Hening, p. 339. Henry Lee was a bur my wife during her life I give the Plantation [Stratford] gess of the same county. [1652.] Ib., p. 370. Richard Lee whereon I now dwell, ten English servants, five Negroes, finally settled in Northumberland county in the Northern 3 men and 2 women, 20 sows and corn proportionable to Neck [659] Certain lands there being deserted by the the servants The said negroes I give to her during her Indians, were ceded to the Hon. Samuel Matthews, gov widowhood and no longer and then presently to return to ernor, "Provided that no intrenchment be made upon any those of the five youngest children, also the Plantation preceding rights of Col. Richard Lee." Ib. p. 515. See Mocke Neck. Item my will and earnest desire is, that my also 2 Hening, pp. 200-201. In the Life of Richard Henry household stuff at Strafford be divided into 3 parts, two of Lee, as above referred to, it is stated that Richard Lee was which I give to my son John and bind him to give to every for a long time secretary to Sir William Berkley, governor one of his brothers a bed and the other third I give to my of the colony, and that after the surrender of Virginia to the wife Anna Lee. Item I give all my plate to my three eldParliamentary forces, he [Lee] hired a Dutch ship and visit- est sons or the survivor or survivors of them, each to have ed the exilect Charles while at Breda, in order to ascertain his part delivered to him when he comes to the age of eighwhether in case Virginia should declare tier allegiance to teen years. Itein I give to my son John and his heirs forhim, he could protect her, and that finding the prince too ever, when he comes to the age of 18 years, all my land feeble to undertake it, he returned to Virginia. This tradition and plantation at Mathotick, all the stock of cattle and hogs is not confirmed by history and is probably entitled to but lit-thereupon, also 10 Negroes, viz 5 men and five women and tle credit. The rest of the story is, that upon Cromwell's ten English servants for their times, &c." He likewise death, Richard Lee, with the assistance of Sir William bequeaths his Plantation Paradise and the servants there, Berkley, contrived to get Charles II. proclaimed in the col- &c., to Richard; the Paper makers Neck and War Capony, king of “* England, France, Scotland, Ireland and Vir- tain's Neck with 5 Negroes and 10 English servants, &c., ginia," two years before he was restored to the throne in to Francis. To his 5 younger children, William, Hancock, England! A tissue of monstrous fictions. Betsey, Anne and Charles, the Testator bequeaths a plantaRichard, second son of Richard Lee, was of the king's tion including Bishop's Neck, 4000 acres of land on the Pocouncil in Virginia. Thomas Lee, third son of the former, tomac and the remainder of two plantations after the death was sometime President of the council. Richard Henry of his wife, together with the residue of his estate real and Lee's maternal relations were conspicuous for their public personal. To his eldest son John he bequeaths 3 Islands stations. Col. Ludwell, father of Mrs. Lee, was of the lying in the Bay of Chesapeake, the great Bed that I brot Council, as also was a son of his. Her grandfather was over the last year in the Duke of York and the furniture sometime Collector of the Customs in Virginia, (having thereunto belonging." To William he bequeaths his lands succeeded Giles Bland, who was executed during the re- on the Maryland side. Also my will is that goods sufbellion,) and was afterwards Governor of North Carolina. cient be set apart for the maintenance of the gangs of When about to send this sheet to the press I have received each plantation, for the space of two years and all the rest a copy of the will of Richard Lee, head of the family in of the Goods to be sold to the best advantage and the ToVirginia, for which I am indebted to Mrs. Susan H. Thornbacco shipt home to Mr. Lockey and Mr. Griffith," &c. ton, one of his descendants. This will is dated 1663. The To Francis he gives his interest being one eighth part in following extracts are taken from it :-"1 Col. Richard Lee of Virginia and lately of Strafford Langton, in the county of Essex, Esq. being bound out upon a voyage to Virginia aforesaid and not knowing how it may please God to dispose of me in so long a voyage," &c. First I give and bequeath my soul to that good and gracious God that gave it me and to my blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ, assuredly trusting in and by his meritorious Death and Passion, to receive salvation, and my Body to be disposed of whether by Sea or Land, according to the opportunity of the Place, not doubting but at the last day both Body and Soul shall be re-united and glorified." Also my will and earnest desire is that my good friends, [Thomas Griffith and John Lockey merchants in England,] will with all

64

the ship Elizabeth and Mary and the ship Susan. The will provides a fund for the better education of John and Richard equally to assist the one in his travel for the attainment of a reasonable perfection in the knowledge of Physick the other at the University or the Inns of Court which he shall be most fit for.”

According to tradition the Lees of Westmoreland, Virginia, are descended from the English family of that name, to which belonged the Earls of Litchfield. The English Lees were loyal supporters of the Stuarts. Accordingly Sir Henry Lee of Ditchley is a cavalier character in Sır Walter Scott's novel of Woodstock.

* Life of Richard Henry Lee, by his grand-son of the same name. Vol. 1., p.

244.

*

His

and visited London. He returned when about and the memorial to the commons. nineteen years of age to his native country, accomplishments, learning, courtesy, pattwo years after his father's death, which oc- riotism, republican principles, decision of curred [1750.] Young Lee's fortune ren- character and eloquence, commanded the atdering it unnecessary for him to devote him- tention of the legislature. Although a memself to a profession, he now passed a life of ber at the time of the introduction of Patease, but not of idleness, for he indulged his rick Henry's Resolutions, [1765,] Mr. Lee taste for letters and diligently stored his mind happened not to be present at the discussion, with knowledge in the wide circle of theolo- but he heartily concurred in their adoption. gy, science, history, law, politics and poetry. Shortly after the passage of those Resolutions [1755.] Being chosen captain of a company Mr. Lee organized an association in Westof volunteers raised in Westmoreland, he moreland in furtherance of them. [1767.] marched with them to Alexandria and offered He vigorously opposed the Act laying a duty their services to General Braddock in his ex- on Tea and that for quartering British troops pedition against Fort Duquesne. The offer, in the Colonies. He was now residing at however, was declined. In his 25th year Mr. Chantilly, his seat on the Potomac, in WestLee was appointed a justice of the peace and moreland. [25th July, 1768.] In a letter to shortly after a burgess for his county. Natu- John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Lee rally diffident and finding himself surrounded suggested, "that not only select committees by men of extraordinary abilities, for one or should be appointed by all the colonies, but two sessions he took no part in the debates. that a private correspondence should be conOne of his early efforts was a brief but strong ducted between the lovers of liberty in every and elaborate speech in support of a resolu- province." [1773.] The Virginia Assemtion, "to lay so heavy a tax on the importa- bly, (about the same time with that of Mastion of slaves as effectually to put an end to sachusetts Bay,) appointed a committee of that iniquitous and disgraceful traffic within correspondence, consisting of six members, the colony of Virginia." On this occasion of whom Mr. Lee was one. ‡ [1774.] Mr. he argued against the institution of slavery as Lee was a delegate from Virginia in the Cona portentous evil moral and political. When gress that met at Philadelphia. Patrick Henry, the defalcations of treasurer Robinson came the first who spoke in that body, was followed to be suspected, Mr. Lee, like Patrick Henry, by Richard Henry Lee. Mr. Lee was an ac(on another occasion of the same kind,) in- tive and laborious member of all the leading sisted, with manly firmness, in the face of a committees, and he draughted the memorial proud and embittered opposition, on an in- to the people of British America. § [1775.] vestigation of the state of the treasury. [Nov. Returned again from Westmoreland to the 1764.] When the meditated Stamp Act Virginia Assembly; that body elected him a was first heard of in America, Mr. Lee, at delegate to the second congress. When the instance of a friend, wrote to Eng- Washington was chosen commander-in-chief, land making application for a collector's Richard Henry Lee as chairman of the comoffice under that Act. At that time nei-mittee, appointed for the occasion, prepared ther he, nor as he believed, his country- the commission and instructions. He served men, had reflected at all on the real nature also on several other important committees that Act. In a few days, however, reflec- and prepared the second address to the peotion convinced him of its pernicious charac-ple of Great Britain. || [May 17, 1776.] The ter and of the impropriety of his application, Convention of Virginia passed resolutions and from that time he became, in public and instructing her delegates in congress to proin private, one of the most active and stren- pose to that body to declare the colonies free uous opponents of the Stamp Act. † In this year he brought before the Assembly of Virginia the subject of the declaratory Act of is Parliament, claiming a right to tax America, and he draughted the address to the king

A few miles below Stratford. The house at Chantilly now in ruins.

+ lb. p. 65.

Ib. 63. The suggestion was, however, claimed by Mr. Jefferson.

This masterly document is to be found in the Life of R. H. Lee. Vol. 1, pp. 119-133.

b. 143-153.