Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Washington, George (1732-1799) [Authorization for William Lee to return to Virginia].

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02064 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts; West Point, New York Type: Autograph document signed Date: 20 October 1779 Pagination: 1 p. 24 x 19 cm Order a Copy

Pass authorized by the Council Chamber of the State of Massachusetts Bay and attested to by Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts John Avery releases Lee from Massachusetts on parole as of September 13, 1779. A note confirming Lee's right to passage home to Virginia was later written on the pass in Washington's hand.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

State of Massachusetts Bay -
Council Chamber Septr. 13th: 1779 -
On the Petition of William Lee -

Ordered that the prayer of his petition be so far granted that the Petitioner be and he hereby is permitted to depart this State & proceed to the Head Quarters of his Excellency General Washington in the State of New York & waite his Excellencys further Orders & Capt. Alexander Dickey - Dc Continental Commissary of Prisoners being directed to discharge the said William Lee from his Parole for the purpose aforesaid -

True Copy Attest }
John Avery D Secy
[inserted - Washington's hand:
The bearer Wm. Lee Esqr. a native of Virginia, was, to my knowledge, sent young to England for his education; & returning to his Estate in that Commonwealth with ample testimonials thereof to me, is at full liberty to pursue his journey.
Go: Washington
West point Octr. 20th. 1779]
[verso]
Genl. Washingtons
Pass

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources