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.

Lee, Henry (1756-1818) to Nathanael Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02487 Author/Creator: Lee, Henry (1756-1818) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 January [1781] Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 30.7 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Lieutenant Colonel "Light-Horse Harry" Lee to Major General Greene, the commander of the Southern Department. Written during Greene's retreat across North Carolina. Marked "express." Letter describing the stalling tactics he wishes to take against the British as he led the American rearguard. Claims the British troops under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton left Hillsborough, North Carolina the previous night. Says militia are collecting and will advance on the enemy's right flank. Thinks it best that he joins North Carolina Governor Abner Nash once the enemy moves again and that he should delay their speed. Says Andrew Pickens, the famous South Carolina partisan fighter, will arrive soon and "teaze" the enemy. Year inferred from contents. Postscript asks that Greene send him writing paper.

My dear Genl.
The enemy got into Hilsborough last night only.
The militia are collecting & I am moving to a position more advanced on the enemys right flank. I think it will be adviseable for me to join Governor Nash on the enemys next motion, that I may have it more in my power to delay their speed. Pickens will teaze them on his arrival which I hourly expect.
I am dear sir
yours most respectfully
21st. Jany. Henry Lee Servt.
8, at night

Be pleazed
To send me some writing paper.

[address leaf]
The honl.
Major Genl. Greene
express

[docket]
from Colo. Lee
Feby. 21st. '81.
Jany.

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