What do you think?
Rate this book
Light-Horse Harry Lee: The Rise and Fall of a Revolutionary Hero - The Tragic Life of Robert E. Lee's Father
"Light-Horse Harry blazes across the pages of Ryan Cole's narrative like a meteor—and his final crash is as destructive. Cole tells his story with care, sympathy, and where necessary, sternness. This book is a great, and sometimes harrowing read." —Richard Brookhiser, senior editor at National Review and author of Founding Rediscovering George Washington
Who was "Light-Horse Harry" Lee?
Gallant Revolutionary War hero. Quintessential Virginia cavalryman. George Washington’s trusted subordinate and immortal eulogist. Robert E. Lee’s beloved father. Founding father who shepherded the Constitution through the Virginia Ratifying Convention.
But Light-Horse Harry Lee was also a con man. A beachcomber. Imprisoned for debt. Caught up in sordid squabbles over squalid land deals. Maimed for life by an angry political mob.
Light-Horse Harry Lee’s life was tragic, glorious, and dramatic, but perhaps because of its sad, ignominious conclusion historians have rarely given him his due—until now.
Now historian Ryan Cole presents this soldier and statesman of the founding generation with all the vim and vigor that typified Lee himself. Scouring hundreds of contemporary documents and reading his way into Lee’s life, political philosophy, and character, Cole gives us the most intimate picture to date of this greatly awed but hugely talented man whose influence has reverberated from the founding of the United States to the present day.
Who was "Light-Horse Harry" Lee?
Gallant Revolutionary War hero. Quintessential Virginia cavalryman. George Washington’s trusted subordinate and immortal eulogist. Robert E. Lee’s beloved father. Founding father who shepherded the Constitution through the Virginia Ratifying Convention.
But Light-Horse Harry Lee was also a con man. A beachcomber. Imprisoned for debt. Caught up in sordid squabbles over squalid land deals. Maimed for life by an angry political mob.
Light-Horse Harry Lee’s life was tragic, glorious, and dramatic, but perhaps because of its sad, ignominious conclusion historians have rarely given him his due—until now.
Now historian Ryan Cole presents this soldier and statesman of the founding generation with all the vim and vigor that typified Lee himself. Scouring hundreds of contemporary documents and reading his way into Lee’s life, political philosophy, and character, Cole gives us the most intimate picture to date of this greatly awed but hugely talented man whose influence has reverberated from the founding of the United States to the present day.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2019
38 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 10, 2024
Ryan Cole breathes to life the eventful yet tragic life of Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee III, capturing and chronicling his life from his prosperous childhood and successful campaigns in the Revolutionary War, to his eventual downfall following the rise of the young American Republic. While there is no doubt Cole has gathered a profound respect for his subject (as is inevitable and typical of most biographical works with extensive research), he still has a natural unbiased view of Lee—faulting his hot temper and rash judgement due to misbegotten slights and careless jealousies throughout his wartime and political career.
Cole reveals early on that Lee had an advantageous upbringing, where he studied at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) with fellow classmates including Aaron Burr and James Madison. He gains his patriotic ideals under the tutelage of Scottish-enlightenment and Declaration signer John Witherspoon, where Lee eventually would become acquainted with George Washington and Charles Lee while dining at Mount Vernon. As the Revolutionary War begins to unfold, Henry III’s military career is given a head start by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry, whom commissions Lee to lead his first brigade of light horse dragoons. Most of these men under his command were below the age of twenty, and Lee gains their respect by generously paying for and providing the troops with mounts, arms, training, rations, and even successfully lobbying for uniforms on their behalf.
Interestingly enough, in Lee’s later years as a Federalist, he remembers his high regard and esteem for Patrick Henry whom then was a staunch Anti-Federalist, and bravely questions himself and his party’s own role in pushing the Constitution through perhaps too prematurely—as he sees Henry’s warnings and pessimism of the role of an unchecked central government coming to fruition. Cole vividly brings the terror and violence of battle directly to the reader’s imagination and attention, while at the same time covering Lee’s emotions, faults, and eventual vindication for his triumph at the Battle of Paulus Hook in gripping detail:
The sum of $15,000 was to be distributed amongst his noncommissioned officers. And, most amazingly, a gold Medal of Honor was to be struck by the Board of Treasury in Lee’s honor and likeness. The other tributes were meaningful, but this reward was extraordinary. Previously only three such medals had been commissioned by Congress for members of the military: the first for Washington after the siege of Boston, another for General Horatio Gates for the victory at Saratoga, and most recently one for Wayne in the aftermath of Stony Point. Only two more, after Lee’s, would be awarded in the remainder of the war, for Generals Daniel Morgan and Nathanael Greene. Of all six men, Lee was the only officer below the rank of general.
Cole unfortunately tries to cover too much of the Revolution rather than focus solely on his main subject, in which he uses lots of filler text in describing famous battles and dates—many of which have little to do with Lee’s exploits or don’t even involve him at all. This is all too evident when describing the victorious Battles of Trenton and Princeton, draw at Monmouth, and the Treason of Arnold. He counters this however by providing valuable insight into the character and decisions of Lee, all of which proved just how respected a soldier and force of nature Lee could be on the field of battle—selflessly turning down a role of safety and comfort on Washington’s illustrious inner circle of aides and counselors—and instead taking the promotion of major to make better use of his valiant cavalry skills and combat expertise for the Continental Cause.
Like many Founders, Lee’s subsequent debts and careless land speculations snowball into a debilitating fall from grace in his final years, made ever the more ruinous by his brutal physical attack at the hands of a Democratic-Republican mob, in which Lee and several other Federalists were guilty of daring to oppose “Mr. Madison’s War”. Prior biographies of Lee have solely focused on his military tactics and campaigns during the Revolutionary War, where as Cole has genuinely added to his appeal by revealing his marital pursuits and familial relationships, early frustrations with the Federalist party that he so actively campaigned for, honorable role as Governor of Virginia, and his subsequent quashing of the Whiskey Rebellion. Unfortunately, no illustrations of the Lee family or Stratford Hall residence and its surrounding areas are provided.
Cole reveals early on that Lee had an advantageous upbringing, where he studied at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) with fellow classmates including Aaron Burr and James Madison. He gains his patriotic ideals under the tutelage of Scottish-enlightenment and Declaration signer John Witherspoon, where Lee eventually would become acquainted with George Washington and Charles Lee while dining at Mount Vernon. As the Revolutionary War begins to unfold, Henry III’s military career is given a head start by Virginia Governor Patrick Henry, whom commissions Lee to lead his first brigade of light horse dragoons. Most of these men under his command were below the age of twenty, and Lee gains their respect by generously paying for and providing the troops with mounts, arms, training, rations, and even successfully lobbying for uniforms on their behalf.
Interestingly enough, in Lee’s later years as a Federalist, he remembers his high regard and esteem for Patrick Henry whom then was a staunch Anti-Federalist, and bravely questions himself and his party’s own role in pushing the Constitution through perhaps too prematurely—as he sees Henry’s warnings and pessimism of the role of an unchecked central government coming to fruition. Cole vividly brings the terror and violence of battle directly to the reader’s imagination and attention, while at the same time covering Lee’s emotions, faults, and eventual vindication for his triumph at the Battle of Paulus Hook in gripping detail:
The sum of $15,000 was to be distributed amongst his noncommissioned officers. And, most amazingly, a gold Medal of Honor was to be struck by the Board of Treasury in Lee’s honor and likeness. The other tributes were meaningful, but this reward was extraordinary. Previously only three such medals had been commissioned by Congress for members of the military: the first for Washington after the siege of Boston, another for General Horatio Gates for the victory at Saratoga, and most recently one for Wayne in the aftermath of Stony Point. Only two more, after Lee’s, would be awarded in the remainder of the war, for Generals Daniel Morgan and Nathanael Greene. Of all six men, Lee was the only officer below the rank of general.
Cole unfortunately tries to cover too much of the Revolution rather than focus solely on his main subject, in which he uses lots of filler text in describing famous battles and dates—many of which have little to do with Lee’s exploits or don’t even involve him at all. This is all too evident when describing the victorious Battles of Trenton and Princeton, draw at Monmouth, and the Treason of Arnold. He counters this however by providing valuable insight into the character and decisions of Lee, all of which proved just how respected a soldier and force of nature Lee could be on the field of battle—selflessly turning down a role of safety and comfort on Washington’s illustrious inner circle of aides and counselors—and instead taking the promotion of major to make better use of his valiant cavalry skills and combat expertise for the Continental Cause.
Like many Founders, Lee’s subsequent debts and careless land speculations snowball into a debilitating fall from grace in his final years, made ever the more ruinous by his brutal physical attack at the hands of a Democratic-Republican mob, in which Lee and several other Federalists were guilty of daring to oppose “Mr. Madison’s War”. Prior biographies of Lee have solely focused on his military tactics and campaigns during the Revolutionary War, where as Cole has genuinely added to his appeal by revealing his marital pursuits and familial relationships, early frustrations with the Federalist party that he so actively campaigned for, honorable role as Governor of Virginia, and his subsequent quashing of the Whiskey Rebellion. Unfortunately, no illustrations of the Lee family or Stratford Hall residence and its surrounding areas are provided.
May 28, 2020
”Henry Lee painted the scorching sun and foggy morn that preceded the attack on Fort Granby; the hissing of flaming arrows descending on Fort Motte; the worn shoes, tattered clothes, and threadbare blankets during marches; the British muskets glittering in the sun before battle; and the bodies of the dead rotting in the pouring rain after. ‘This night succeeding this day of blood was rainy, dark and cold; the dead unburied, the wounded unsheltered, the groans of the dying and the shrieks of the living, cast a deeper shade over the gloom of nature,’ he wrote of the hours following the conflict at Guilford Courthouse. His pen conjured to life the defeated British army, marching at Yorktown with their colors cased, drums beating.’”
He was born Henry Lee III, but became famous during the Revolutionary War as the dashing cavalry officer Light-Horse Harry Lee. He commanded a Virginia Light Horse Dragoon, one of several units that became so important to the success of the rebel guerrilla warfare campaign that harried the British for the extent of the war. The key was to know when to fight and when to run. His greatest moment was at the Battle of Paulus Hook. He was later honored by Congress with a gold medal commemorating his part in achieving victory there, the only officer to be so honored below the rank of General.
Despite his success on the battlefield that extended from New Jersey to deep into the South where he participated in several of the bloody conflicts that were key to ending the war, Lee was brought up on charges that nearly led to a court martial. If not for the behind the scenes manipulations by General George Washington, he could very easily have found himself cashiered out of the army. This was a theme throughout the Revolutionary War, jealousy and ambition mingling to create unnecessary and potentially destructive distractions that could have proved very costly. The biggest distraction was the intrigue surrounding General Horatio Gates, who felt that he should have been appointed to replace George Washington. He worked insidiously to destroy Washington’s reputation, and certainly, Gates was not as committed to the war effort as a disgruntled subordinate. This backbiting and unsavory behavior amongst the officers/politicians also was a factor in encouraging Benedict Arnold to defect to the British. He had been a favorite target of malicious slanderers and unscrupulously deployed rumors. He had envious enemies in Congress who proved to be a stumbling block to his efforts to effectively lead on the battlefield. Harry Lee survived the attack on his character, but it eventually led to his early retirement from the military. I can only wonder how many great officers left the service early, discouraged by the cesspool of deceit that ran through the ranks of Revolutionary officers.
Washington was certainly too lenient on these Machiavellian elements in his army. I believe that this was a difficult situation for Washington. This new concept of America empowered everyone with an inflated sense of worth, and any favor shown to another was seen as detrimental to his own personal gains. I do feel we were very fortunate that all this intrigue didn’t cost us the war. What if Gates had been able to convince Congress to remove Washington? Hard to imagine in hindsight, but it was a very real possibility.
After the war, Light-Horse Harry Lee became caught up in land speculation. He would borrow from Peter to pay Paul, and then borrow from Paul again. He was in search of that one big win that would put him over the top. He bought, and bought some more, and then traded land to get even more. It was diseased thinking that I can only equate to the addiction people have for casino gambling...in particular, the roulette wheel comes to mind. He wasn’t alone; several other Founding Fathers found themselves steeply in debt, hoping to stumble upon that perfect deal that would make them rich. Lee kept the game alive, shuffling enough money to keep his creditors at bay, but eventually the shaking house of cards tumbled, and he was hauled off to jail.
Not the ending that a hero of the Revolutionary War ever expected.
Of course, if he had managed the money from his estates and quit speculating in an attempt to become rich, he would have ended his days comfortably wealthy. I could see it though, all this virgin land available to buy. It would seem like an opportunity too good to pass up. If he’d shown some restraint and had patience, certainly some of his land prospects might have proved profitable, but with the spectre of debt hanging over his head, like Damocles’ Sword, he couldn’t afford to wait for deals to mature properly.
While sitting in his dank cell for debt, he began working on his memoirs, which given the eye he had for descriptive detail, as shown in the opening quote of this review, they should have done well. I’m not sure if he waited too long or they were not properly marketed or maybe he had just faded too much from the collective memory of the public. Sales were disappointing and did not prove to be the money salvation he was hoping for.
I think for the extent of Light-Horse Harry’s life he was always just a yard shy of winning. So close, but so far. With the extent of his ongoing, desperate situation, he soon used up the powerful friends he once had. He even screwed Washington in a land deal. James Madison soon tired of his pleas. They appreciated him and respected him, but sometimes, trying to save a drowning man proves impossible.
Unfortunately, there was no redemptive end to this story. Lee didn’t change his approach to things, always reaching for the gold ring when the silver would have been attainable. He conducted business the same way as he did when he rode into battle during the War, full speed ahead. What worked so well for him against British regulars did not work at all well for him in business. The hitting quickly and dashing away as he did with his light-horse dragoons was a tactic that did keep him one step ahead of his creditors for many more years than he deserved.
Now his legacy is overshadowed by his more famous, youngest son...Robert E. Lee.
I can’t resist picking up a book and reading about what I guess would be considered the second tier of famous Americans who were attached to the Revolutionary War, either as financiers, politicians, or soldiers. I always find that it freshens my view of certain events that I’ve read about many times in the past, and now when I run across a mention of Light-Horse Harry Lee in future books, I will have a more enlightened, deeper understanding of the man and his place in history.
Ryan Cole is not as articulate or talented a writer as Nathaniel Philbrick or Rick Atkinson, but he does manage to give me the information I needed to formulate my own opinions of Harry Lee. There are no pictures included with this edition, and they are sorely missed. The publisher Regnery History, I presume it was their decision, chose to save the money by not including a slice of color plates or even some black and white photos. It was a missed opportunity to give the book more value to readers and future researchers.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten and an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffreykeeten/
He was born Henry Lee III, but became famous during the Revolutionary War as the dashing cavalry officer Light-Horse Harry Lee. He commanded a Virginia Light Horse Dragoon, one of several units that became so important to the success of the rebel guerrilla warfare campaign that harried the British for the extent of the war. The key was to know when to fight and when to run. His greatest moment was at the Battle of Paulus Hook. He was later honored by Congress with a gold medal commemorating his part in achieving victory there, the only officer to be so honored below the rank of General.
Despite his success on the battlefield that extended from New Jersey to deep into the South where he participated in several of the bloody conflicts that were key to ending the war, Lee was brought up on charges that nearly led to a court martial. If not for the behind the scenes manipulations by General George Washington, he could very easily have found himself cashiered out of the army. This was a theme throughout the Revolutionary War, jealousy and ambition mingling to create unnecessary and potentially destructive distractions that could have proved very costly. The biggest distraction was the intrigue surrounding General Horatio Gates, who felt that he should have been appointed to replace George Washington. He worked insidiously to destroy Washington’s reputation, and certainly, Gates was not as committed to the war effort as a disgruntled subordinate. This backbiting and unsavory behavior amongst the officers/politicians also was a factor in encouraging Benedict Arnold to defect to the British. He had been a favorite target of malicious slanderers and unscrupulously deployed rumors. He had envious enemies in Congress who proved to be a stumbling block to his efforts to effectively lead on the battlefield. Harry Lee survived the attack on his character, but it eventually led to his early retirement from the military. I can only wonder how many great officers left the service early, discouraged by the cesspool of deceit that ran through the ranks of Revolutionary officers.
Washington was certainly too lenient on these Machiavellian elements in his army. I believe that this was a difficult situation for Washington. This new concept of America empowered everyone with an inflated sense of worth, and any favor shown to another was seen as detrimental to his own personal gains. I do feel we were very fortunate that all this intrigue didn’t cost us the war. What if Gates had been able to convince Congress to remove Washington? Hard to imagine in hindsight, but it was a very real possibility.
After the war, Light-Horse Harry Lee became caught up in land speculation. He would borrow from Peter to pay Paul, and then borrow from Paul again. He was in search of that one big win that would put him over the top. He bought, and bought some more, and then traded land to get even more. It was diseased thinking that I can only equate to the addiction people have for casino gambling...in particular, the roulette wheel comes to mind. He wasn’t alone; several other Founding Fathers found themselves steeply in debt, hoping to stumble upon that perfect deal that would make them rich. Lee kept the game alive, shuffling enough money to keep his creditors at bay, but eventually the shaking house of cards tumbled, and he was hauled off to jail.
Not the ending that a hero of the Revolutionary War ever expected.
Of course, if he had managed the money from his estates and quit speculating in an attempt to become rich, he would have ended his days comfortably wealthy. I could see it though, all this virgin land available to buy. It would seem like an opportunity too good to pass up. If he’d shown some restraint and had patience, certainly some of his land prospects might have proved profitable, but with the spectre of debt hanging over his head, like Damocles’ Sword, he couldn’t afford to wait for deals to mature properly.
While sitting in his dank cell for debt, he began working on his memoirs, which given the eye he had for descriptive detail, as shown in the opening quote of this review, they should have done well. I’m not sure if he waited too long or they were not properly marketed or maybe he had just faded too much from the collective memory of the public. Sales were disappointing and did not prove to be the money salvation he was hoping for.
I think for the extent of Light-Horse Harry’s life he was always just a yard shy of winning. So close, but so far. With the extent of his ongoing, desperate situation, he soon used up the powerful friends he once had. He even screwed Washington in a land deal. James Madison soon tired of his pleas. They appreciated him and respected him, but sometimes, trying to save a drowning man proves impossible.
Unfortunately, there was no redemptive end to this story. Lee didn’t change his approach to things, always reaching for the gold ring when the silver would have been attainable. He conducted business the same way as he did when he rode into battle during the War, full speed ahead. What worked so well for him against British regulars did not work at all well for him in business. The hitting quickly and dashing away as he did with his light-horse dragoons was a tactic that did keep him one step ahead of his creditors for many more years than he deserved.
Now his legacy is overshadowed by his more famous, youngest son...Robert E. Lee.
I can’t resist picking up a book and reading about what I guess would be considered the second tier of famous Americans who were attached to the Revolutionary War, either as financiers, politicians, or soldiers. I always find that it freshens my view of certain events that I’ve read about many times in the past, and now when I run across a mention of Light-Horse Harry Lee in future books, I will have a more enlightened, deeper understanding of the man and his place in history.
Ryan Cole is not as articulate or talented a writer as Nathaniel Philbrick or Rick Atkinson, but he does manage to give me the information I needed to formulate my own opinions of Harry Lee. There are no pictures included with this edition, and they are sorely missed. The publisher Regnery History, I presume it was their decision, chose to save the money by not including a slice of color plates or even some black and white photos. It was a missed opportunity to give the book more value to readers and future researchers.
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten and an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffreykeeten/
June 7, 2019
Unless one is a student of the Revolutionary War or Robert E. Lee, most readers have probably never heard of “Light Horse Harry” Lee. Born into one of the most prominent families in Colonial Virginia, Lee rose to be one of the best light infantry/cavalry/combined arms commanders in the Continental Army. He was also Robert E. Lee’s father.
Mr. Cole traces Lee’s rise to not only military heights, but also political ones. After the war be became a member of Congress, both before and after the adoption of the Constitution. In addition, he was also governor of Virginia twice.
As a military leader, Mr. Cole presents a man who was almost everything a commander would want in a cavalry leader – aggressive, a good tactical sense, good with his troops. The author says they would have literally followed him into hell. The author also innumerates some of his faults – vain glorious, quick to take offense, and sometimes he thought he knew more than his commander and wasn’t afraid to let the commander know that. In fact he was once court martialed because he offended too many people who out ranked him. The court found him not guilty, said he was an exemplary commander and reinstated to his command. His battles in the South Carolina where he teamed up with Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox, are well done.
After the war, Mr. Cole recounts his political career. As noted above he was elected to both the Congress of the Articles of Confederation and kept his position after the Constitution was adopted. He was also appointed as Governor of Virginia by the Virginia legislature. Politically he started out as an ally of Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. He had an aversion to a strong central gov’t, but gradually moved towards the Federalist position.
Mr. Cole does not neglect Lee’s personal life. He is presented as man who genuinely loved both of the women he would marry. His first wife died shortly after delivering a child and his is presented and having trouble getting over her death. He later remarried and his second wife was Rob’t E. Lee’s mother.
In telling of his personal life, his complete lack of business sense is well illustrated. He started land speculating, going into deep debt to purchase vast tracts of undeveloped land. He had hopes of founding a town at the Falls of the Potomac, but in spite of all his hopes, this never materialized. He kept speculating in hopes he could recover. and borrowing on land that was already mortgaged. In the end, he ended up spending all of his inheritance and both of his wives dowries on his dreams and in the process becoming a bankrupt. He later spent time in Debtors Prison.
The final chapter of his life is a very sad tale. He was in Baltimore at the beginning of the War of 1812. His opposition to the war and his Federalist ideas did not play well with the local population. There was major rioting and the local militia was tasked with protecting several prominent Federalists in the City. To make a long story short, the local militia commander withdrew the protection and the rioters captured and severally beat the Federalists, killing several. Lee was severally beaten and mutilated (his nose was almost severed). The author speculates that he never fully recovered, either emotionally or physically from this event. He spent the last years of his life in the Caribbean trying to relieve the pain from his injuries, sponging off of anyone who would give him a meal and a place to lay his head.
He passed away on his way home from the Caribbean in Georgia. One of his travelling companions took it on himself to visit his widow and to let her know his last words. When he got her home, one of Lee daughters answered the door. The gentleman introduced himself asked to speak with Mrs. Lee. The daughter said she was asleep, so she couldn't see him. The Gentleman pressed the issue and the daughter went to check with her mother. When the daughter came back, she said that her mother didn’t want to hear the words. I felt this was a tragic end to a tragic story.
One note on Rob’t Lee’s relationship with his father – as one of his youngest children, there wasn’t one. Lee died while Rob't was still very young and had spent the previous 4 yrs in the Caribbean. However, Mr. Cole speculates that REL took many lessons from his father’s life. Some of those traits include his slow and steady military career, he was cautious, he was frugal to a fault and very mindful of his wife dowry, his word was his bond, among other things.
I found this a solid 4 star read on one of the lesser known figures of the US’ early years.
Mr. Cole traces Lee’s rise to not only military heights, but also political ones. After the war be became a member of Congress, both before and after the adoption of the Constitution. In addition, he was also governor of Virginia twice.
As a military leader, Mr. Cole presents a man who was almost everything a commander would want in a cavalry leader – aggressive, a good tactical sense, good with his troops. The author says they would have literally followed him into hell. The author also innumerates some of his faults – vain glorious, quick to take offense, and sometimes he thought he knew more than his commander and wasn’t afraid to let the commander know that. In fact he was once court martialed because he offended too many people who out ranked him. The court found him not guilty, said he was an exemplary commander and reinstated to his command. His battles in the South Carolina where he teamed up with Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox, are well done.
After the war, Mr. Cole recounts his political career. As noted above he was elected to both the Congress of the Articles of Confederation and kept his position after the Constitution was adopted. He was also appointed as Governor of Virginia by the Virginia legislature. Politically he started out as an ally of Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans. He had an aversion to a strong central gov’t, but gradually moved towards the Federalist position.
Mr. Cole does not neglect Lee’s personal life. He is presented as man who genuinely loved both of the women he would marry. His first wife died shortly after delivering a child and his is presented and having trouble getting over her death. He later remarried and his second wife was Rob’t E. Lee’s mother.
In telling of his personal life, his complete lack of business sense is well illustrated. He started land speculating, going into deep debt to purchase vast tracts of undeveloped land. He had hopes of founding a town at the Falls of the Potomac, but in spite of all his hopes, this never materialized. He kept speculating in hopes he could recover. and borrowing on land that was already mortgaged. In the end, he ended up spending all of his inheritance and both of his wives dowries on his dreams and in the process becoming a bankrupt. He later spent time in Debtors Prison.
The final chapter of his life is a very sad tale. He was in Baltimore at the beginning of the War of 1812. His opposition to the war and his Federalist ideas did not play well with the local population. There was major rioting and the local militia was tasked with protecting several prominent Federalists in the City. To make a long story short, the local militia commander withdrew the protection and the rioters captured and severally beat the Federalists, killing several. Lee was severally beaten and mutilated (his nose was almost severed). The author speculates that he never fully recovered, either emotionally or physically from this event. He spent the last years of his life in the Caribbean trying to relieve the pain from his injuries, sponging off of anyone who would give him a meal and a place to lay his head.
He passed away on his way home from the Caribbean in Georgia. One of his travelling companions took it on himself to visit his widow and to let her know his last words. When he got her home, one of Lee daughters answered the door. The gentleman introduced himself asked to speak with Mrs. Lee. The daughter said she was asleep, so she couldn't see him. The Gentleman pressed the issue and the daughter went to check with her mother. When the daughter came back, she said that her mother didn’t want to hear the words. I felt this was a tragic end to a tragic story.
One note on Rob’t Lee’s relationship with his father – as one of his youngest children, there wasn’t one. Lee died while Rob't was still very young and had spent the previous 4 yrs in the Caribbean. However, Mr. Cole speculates that REL took many lessons from his father’s life. Some of those traits include his slow and steady military career, he was cautious, he was frugal to a fault and very mindful of his wife dowry, his word was his bond, among other things.
I found this a solid 4 star read on one of the lesser known figures of the US’ early years.
May 12, 2020
The tragic and much overlooked story of Robert E. Lee's father, this book does not disappoint. The author gives a fair and balanced portrayal of Light Horse Harry, from his birth to his destitute death. Lee's greatest failure, in the author's view, was an unbounded optimism when it came to financial speculation. I tend to agree with this assessment. Robert E. Lee was strongly influenced by his father's legacy(such as it was); he felt his life would bring atonement for his father's misdeeds. This book was one of those biographies where at the end, the reader wished it was more lengthy. A very very good effort.
October 4, 2021
Audible.com 10 hours 26 min. Narrated by John Mclain (B)
This is my eleventh book read in August--September 2021 concerning the Revolutionary War and the Founding Fathers. I'm so glad I included this biography as one of my selections even though Henry Lee was not as significant as Washington or Nathaniel Greene. I have a better appreciation for the young Lee's military service but also for his firm belief in the obligation to keeping the states united despite their many differences.The Epilogue was extra-special because it showed how Harry Lee's sons were affected by his reckless financial and land speculations. The author also asks the question "What if Robert E. Lee had felt his father's same sense of commitment to county over state?" 4.5 stars
This is my eleventh book read in August--September 2021 concerning the Revolutionary War and the Founding Fathers. I'm so glad I included this biography as one of my selections even though Henry Lee was not as significant as Washington or Nathaniel Greene. I have a better appreciation for the young Lee's military service but also for his firm belief in the obligation to keeping the states united despite their many differences.The Epilogue was extra-special because it showed how Harry Lee's sons were affected by his reckless financial and land speculations. The author also asks the question "What if Robert E. Lee had felt his father's same sense of commitment to county over state?" 4.5 stars
November 2, 2020
This recent biography is probably the most accurate description of the life and times of “Light-Horse” Harry Lee. Growing up only 5 miles down the road from George Washington, they were close friends as well as Commander of the Continental Army and one of his most avid and skilled officers.
I learned so much about this historic figure, the father of General Robert E Lee, whose fame overshadowed his father’s.
Henry Lee came from a long line of Virginia aristocracy. He was handsome, witty, brilliant. He studied the classics and was an excellent student at Princeton. He married well, twice. He was a brave and resourceful leader of men in the cavalry, hence the term “Light-Horse. “
He was also vain, brash and profligate. His feelings were easily hurt, he took offense at the slightest hint that he was being passed over. He spent money he did not have on land he did not need and he swindled strangers and friends.
In trying to recoup his losses and pay some of his debts, he wrote a comprehensive history “The Revolutionary War Memoirs of General Henry Lee” which was edited by his son Robert E Lee.
Some parts of this book were slower going, but I admire and appreciate Ryan Cole’s efforts to make this famous American historical figure approachable.
My brother gave me this book and for that I thank him. 😀
I learned so much about this historic figure, the father of General Robert E Lee, whose fame overshadowed his father’s.
Henry Lee came from a long line of Virginia aristocracy. He was handsome, witty, brilliant. He studied the classics and was an excellent student at Princeton. He married well, twice. He was a brave and resourceful leader of men in the cavalry, hence the term “Light-Horse. “
He was also vain, brash and profligate. His feelings were easily hurt, he took offense at the slightest hint that he was being passed over. He spent money he did not have on land he did not need and he swindled strangers and friends.
In trying to recoup his losses and pay some of his debts, he wrote a comprehensive history “The Revolutionary War Memoirs of General Henry Lee” which was edited by his son Robert E Lee.
Some parts of this book were slower going, but I admire and appreciate Ryan Cole’s efforts to make this famous American historical figure approachable.
My brother gave me this book and for that I thank him. 😀
November 2, 2020
4.5 Stars
An amazing story. I forgot how much I love reading about early American and Civil War era history. An easy recommendation!
An amazing story. I forgot how much I love reading about early American and Civil War era history. An easy recommendation!
February 14, 2021
Like father, unlike son.
Pretty much anybody that reads about the Civil War learns in passing that R.E. Lee's father was the Revolutionary War hero Light Horse Harry Lee. That's usually about the end of it. So I was pleased to find this reasonably full length biography of the elder Lee.
In short, dude was a interesting cat. Emotional, proud, a tactically skilled cavalry leader, close friend of Washington, supporter of the Constitution, he also was an utterly intractable con man/profligate spender who was both a Governor of Virginia and ended up serving a year in debtor's prison in addition to getting beaten nearly to death later in life by a mob while defending a Federalist newspaper editor friend against the mob. Oh, then he sailed permanently to the West Indies without his family to "recover" and died on his way back. Got all that?
To say this rather quixotic life was a different from his son would be a vast understatement. That contrast is probably the most interesting aspect of this biography. On its own, Lee's rise as a Soldier and politician, and eventual fall would be interesting but more as trivia than as an important part of the historical record. The fact that his son (who admittedly barely knew him as he left when the boy was only 5) turned out to be such the polar opposite in temperament and demeanor and became such a paragon of duty and rectitude (as he saw it) is what makes study of the father that much more valuable. Cole's biography does a fine job of tracing all of this (though does not touch on the relationship with the son as there's not enough there), but still produces an eminently readable work.
Pretty much anybody that reads about the Civil War learns in passing that R.E. Lee's father was the Revolutionary War hero Light Horse Harry Lee. That's usually about the end of it. So I was pleased to find this reasonably full length biography of the elder Lee.
In short, dude was a interesting cat. Emotional, proud, a tactically skilled cavalry leader, close friend of Washington, supporter of the Constitution, he also was an utterly intractable con man/profligate spender who was both a Governor of Virginia and ended up serving a year in debtor's prison in addition to getting beaten nearly to death later in life by a mob while defending a Federalist newspaper editor friend against the mob. Oh, then he sailed permanently to the West Indies without his family to "recover" and died on his way back. Got all that?
To say this rather quixotic life was a different from his son would be a vast understatement. That contrast is probably the most interesting aspect of this biography. On its own, Lee's rise as a Soldier and politician, and eventual fall would be interesting but more as trivia than as an important part of the historical record. The fact that his son (who admittedly barely knew him as he left when the boy was only 5) turned out to be such the polar opposite in temperament and demeanor and became such a paragon of duty and rectitude (as he saw it) is what makes study of the father that much more valuable. Cole's biography does a fine job of tracing all of this (though does not touch on the relationship with the son as there's not enough there), but still produces an eminently readable work.
October 29, 2024
The fascinating and neglected story of an unquestionable patriot. His story is as epic as any Greek tragedy. Born to aristocracy, dutiful to his nation, and honorable service to a degree where he was even selected above all others to eulogize G Washington as his lifelong close friend and confidant. However, where he succeeded as a military leader and political voice of a budding nation, he was equally incompetent in business management and financial investment, compounded by making enemies of those rising to political power, most notably T Jefferson. His debts eventually led to his arrest and the squandering of his family’s inheritance while his political decisions led to his physical destruction and his ensuing self exile and death.
Brave and daring as a continental officer, he expertly led cavalry in combat and intelligence gathering, finding success even when outnumbered, and on several occasions barely escaped with his life, but almost never in a major campaign and often snubbed due recognition. When offered positions in Washington’s headquarters, which would have greater improved his prominence during and after the war, he declined it to continue leading from the battlefield where he felt his duty was. Persecuted by peers, but loved by his men, “gifted, opportunistic, and well connected, he had a swashbuckling style of leadership that inspired love amongst his legion but grated on other aspiring officers, and the American army overflowed with them”.
After the war, as Governor of VA he defended national union to fellow Virginians while the constitution was under development. This included his views that the northerners who fought alongside him during the war were his “countrymen” in contrast to the state-first mentality of the time. He changed his stance when Alexander Hamilton convinced Monroe and Jefferson to allow the federal government to absorb debts and viewed the political action as a way for northern industry to control southern agriculture. He made statements verging on discussion of civil war, claiming, “I had rather myself submit to all the hazards of war and risk the loss of everything dear to me in life, than to live under the rule of a fixed insolent northern majority.” As the author states, “Hamilton’s plan to finance the nation incensed Lee and even provoked talk of revolt, but his pique had receded because he continually saw the fate of the nation, as well as his own fortunes, tied to a union of the states and their people; north and south. The alternative… would inevitably lead to civil war. Brother slaughtering brother. He had seen it and participated in it during americas revolution, and wished never to do so again.” (Dripping in irony given his youngest son’s decision in 1860)
Under Pres Washington’s direction, he was chosen to help put down the whiskey rebellion which was later seen as an overreaction of federal response. He vocally opposed the war of 1812 to his friend, Pres Madison, but offered his service should there be a war and even counseled him on it despite not being selected. The great irony was that he attempted to protect his friend, a newspaper editor opposing the war, from a mob who would overpower them and beat him so severely it would cause him to seek exile to recover and die of related injuries two years later, away from his family and penniless.
The story is worthy of study equal to any of the other revolutionary war heroes.
Brave and daring as a continental officer, he expertly led cavalry in combat and intelligence gathering, finding success even when outnumbered, and on several occasions barely escaped with his life, but almost never in a major campaign and often snubbed due recognition. When offered positions in Washington’s headquarters, which would have greater improved his prominence during and after the war, he declined it to continue leading from the battlefield where he felt his duty was. Persecuted by peers, but loved by his men, “gifted, opportunistic, and well connected, he had a swashbuckling style of leadership that inspired love amongst his legion but grated on other aspiring officers, and the American army overflowed with them”.
After the war, as Governor of VA he defended national union to fellow Virginians while the constitution was under development. This included his views that the northerners who fought alongside him during the war were his “countrymen” in contrast to the state-first mentality of the time. He changed his stance when Alexander Hamilton convinced Monroe and Jefferson to allow the federal government to absorb debts and viewed the political action as a way for northern industry to control southern agriculture. He made statements verging on discussion of civil war, claiming, “I had rather myself submit to all the hazards of war and risk the loss of everything dear to me in life, than to live under the rule of a fixed insolent northern majority.” As the author states, “Hamilton’s plan to finance the nation incensed Lee and even provoked talk of revolt, but his pique had receded because he continually saw the fate of the nation, as well as his own fortunes, tied to a union of the states and their people; north and south. The alternative… would inevitably lead to civil war. Brother slaughtering brother. He had seen it and participated in it during americas revolution, and wished never to do so again.” (Dripping in irony given his youngest son’s decision in 1860)
Under Pres Washington’s direction, he was chosen to help put down the whiskey rebellion which was later seen as an overreaction of federal response. He vocally opposed the war of 1812 to his friend, Pres Madison, but offered his service should there be a war and even counseled him on it despite not being selected. The great irony was that he attempted to protect his friend, a newspaper editor opposing the war, from a mob who would overpower them and beat him so severely it would cause him to seek exile to recover and die of related injuries two years later, away from his family and penniless.
The story is worthy of study equal to any of the other revolutionary war heroes.
January 17, 2020
Henry Lee (nom de guerre=Light Horse Harry) was a colorful figure who was a key contributor to the American cause during the Revolutionary War. Then it all unraveled. This is a tale of the tragic and slow decline of a hero.
He came from a leading Virginia family; his pedigree was excellent in a time and place where that meant something. And, indeed, he left a legacy: One of his sons was Robert E. Lee, fated to become a Confederate hero.
He became the leader of a light "corps." His exploits in the north with Washington were signal. He was brave and bold (and sometimes rash), but his troops did well. As Lord Cornwallis began activity in the South, his troops joined American forces there. Again, he gave good service to General Greene.
After the war? He overspeculated in land and became mired in debt. His first wife (beloved to him) died as did some of his children. Personal pain. But the economic travails that he descended into made his life harder and harder--and led to disgrace and ruin. A physical attack on him broke his body. The last few years of his life were tragic.
A well told story of an American hero--whose life was filled with tragedy after that.
He came from a leading Virginia family; his pedigree was excellent in a time and place where that meant something. And, indeed, he left a legacy: One of his sons was Robert E. Lee, fated to become a Confederate hero.
He became the leader of a light "corps." His exploits in the north with Washington were signal. He was brave and bold (and sometimes rash), but his troops did well. As Lord Cornwallis began activity in the South, his troops joined American forces there. Again, he gave good service to General Greene.
After the war? He overspeculated in land and became mired in debt. His first wife (beloved to him) died as did some of his children. Personal pain. But the economic travails that he descended into made his life harder and harder--and led to disgrace and ruin. A physical attack on him broke his body. The last few years of his life were tragic.
A well told story of an American hero--whose life was filled with tragedy after that.
June 10, 2019
Fairly pedestrian, with errors and "issues"
First, it's nice that we have the first bio of Lee in a couple of decades.
Now, that said?
First, the "issues."
If Cole knows American history as much as he has extensively written, he wouldn't have claimed Adams as president wasn't wedded to Federalist ideas. Both Federalists and Democrats had factions and shifts in the first 10-15 years of our current constitution. Adams was wedded indeed to ideas accepted across the Federalist stream; he just wasn't wedded to ideas particular to Alexander Hamilton.
(Sidebar: Why do so many conservatives of a limited-government stripe so extol Hamilton today? The man, by an honest expression of their own principles, was a flaming radical.)
So, another 10 or so pages here and there, thickening out the politics of 1787-1809 or so, maybe 15 pages, was well desired.
Next? Debtor's prison was a very serious thing 200 years ago. Tell us more about it Mr. Cole?
Third and related? Land speculation was also a very serious thing 200 years ago. Tell us more about how LHH was able to be so charming in seeking loans, capital, etc., and how much more charming he may have been than the typical speculator. Cole gives us nothing on dollar amounts, acreage, etc.
I mean, from six years ago, there's a 2013 book with 250 pages on just his military time. And it's probably in smaller type with tighter leading than this.
Fourth? NO photos? None other than the cover, of LHH himself? None anywhere of either wife, children, father? Major failure. Also, no photos of the Lee estates lost by his debt speculation? Makes it look like this book was put out on the cheap.
Fifth? The book is in part military history. No battle or campaign maps? A bigger illustrative failure, arguably, than the lack of photos (of family paintings).
Sixth? No bibliography. Clear sign this is not a "serious" work.
And, errors! (If the Adams stuff above is an issue, not an error.)
"Pittsburgh" was misspelled as "Pittsburg" throughout the entire book. Per comments above, comes off as cheapness in editing and publication process. (Maybe Regnery had a rush job due to a tenuous connection with the neo-Confederate types at Charlottesburg, etc.)
And, no, "thousands," if one assumes this means at least 2,000, didn't die at Valley Forge of starvation.
Several errors there.
First, the highest estimate is that at most, an even 2,000 died.
Second, while starvation was often a contributing factor, it was NOT the primary factor. That bugaboo of pre-20th century armies, camp sanitation, was the primary cause of most deaths.
Third, it repeats a myth. The reality is that the Morristown winter two years later hit the Continental Army harder.
Third error? If Cole understood Deism and how prevalent it was among the Founding Fathers, he wouldn't call Lee's views on Jesus' divinity "shocking." Within that class, they weren't. Maybe he believes them to be, but that's different.
First, it's nice that we have the first bio of Lee in a couple of decades.
Now, that said?
First, the "issues."
If Cole knows American history as much as he has extensively written, he wouldn't have claimed Adams as president wasn't wedded to Federalist ideas. Both Federalists and Democrats had factions and shifts in the first 10-15 years of our current constitution. Adams was wedded indeed to ideas accepted across the Federalist stream; he just wasn't wedded to ideas particular to Alexander Hamilton.
(Sidebar: Why do so many conservatives of a limited-government stripe so extol Hamilton today? The man, by an honest expression of their own principles, was a flaming radical.)
So, another 10 or so pages here and there, thickening out the politics of 1787-1809 or so, maybe 15 pages, was well desired.
Next? Debtor's prison was a very serious thing 200 years ago. Tell us more about it Mr. Cole?
Third and related? Land speculation was also a very serious thing 200 years ago. Tell us more about how LHH was able to be so charming in seeking loans, capital, etc., and how much more charming he may have been than the typical speculator. Cole gives us nothing on dollar amounts, acreage, etc.
I mean, from six years ago, there's a 2013 book with 250 pages on just his military time. And it's probably in smaller type with tighter leading than this.
Fourth? NO photos? None other than the cover, of LHH himself? None anywhere of either wife, children, father? Major failure. Also, no photos of the Lee estates lost by his debt speculation? Makes it look like this book was put out on the cheap.
Fifth? The book is in part military history. No battle or campaign maps? A bigger illustrative failure, arguably, than the lack of photos (of family paintings).
Sixth? No bibliography. Clear sign this is not a "serious" work.
And, errors! (If the Adams stuff above is an issue, not an error.)
"Pittsburgh" was misspelled as "Pittsburg" throughout the entire book. Per comments above, comes off as cheapness in editing and publication process. (Maybe Regnery had a rush job due to a tenuous connection with the neo-Confederate types at Charlottesburg, etc.)
And, no, "thousands," if one assumes this means at least 2,000, didn't die at Valley Forge of starvation.
Several errors there.
First, the highest estimate is that at most, an even 2,000 died.
Second, while starvation was often a contributing factor, it was NOT the primary factor. That bugaboo of pre-20th century armies, camp sanitation, was the primary cause of most deaths.
Third, it repeats a myth. The reality is that the Morristown winter two years later hit the Continental Army harder.
Third error? If Cole understood Deism and how prevalent it was among the Founding Fathers, he wouldn't call Lee's views on Jesus' divinity "shocking." Within that class, they weren't. Maybe he believes them to be, but that's different.
December 3, 2023
Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee III (1756-1818)an American revolutionary war hero from Virginia, was the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee and is the subject of this poignant biography.
American hIstory buffs will immediately recognize Lee as a notable hero from Revolutionary war battles like Paulus Hook and Guilford Courthouse. Lee, an expert cavalryman, was promoted from Captain to Major of a Virginia dragoon and infantry detachment on the enthusiastic recommendation of none other than George Washington himself. As an educated intellectual and politician he rubbed elbows with other founding fathers like Jefferson, Hamilton and Madison.
Author and speechwriter Ryan Cole creates an engrossing narrative that skillfully avoids the usual pitfalls of these early American biographies (over-reliance on passages from letters, uneven focus on mundane aspects of the subject’s career, etc.) and triggers genuine emotion from the reader when recounting Lee’s military and political exploits as well as his all too human failings as a land speculator, husband and father. Henry Lee III was a fascinating, tragic figure. A Princeton educated academic from a large and noteworthy Virginia Colony family, he was stirred to action against the British during the feverish early days of American independence and demonstrated an exceptional talent for military and political leadership. His military career wasn’t without controversy, Court marshaled twice, he was a hothead that took wild risks and even had a deserter from his troop beheaded. After the war, Lee’s political career as a Federalist saw him become the adversary of a Democratic-Republican named Thomas Jefferson. The end of the war also ushered in the beginning of his many disastrous financial schemes that ultimately landed Lee in and out of debtor’s prison.
I personally came to learn of Lee when researching the infamous Baltimore riot of 1812, an especially violent affair which centered around Federalist publisher & newspaper provocateur Alexander Hanson (1786-1819) and during which Lee was badly injured defending his friend and horribly disfigured for the remainder of his life. The last, masterful chapters of the book deal with Lee’s final miserable years traveling the Caribbean, penniless and in constant physical pain from injuries sustained in the Baltimore attack (he nearly died in the riot). The author also compares the eery, ironic parallels of fate that lay in store for Light-horse Harry’s son, Robert E. Lee, himself a talented leader and war hero from Confederate Virginia who found himself on the wrong side of history. Throughout the book, Ryan Cole makes the important point that Lee always carried pride in his heart and a love for the new nation he helped to birth unto the west, its liberties he helped to win and his consequential bravery on the battlefield.
American hIstory buffs will immediately recognize Lee as a notable hero from Revolutionary war battles like Paulus Hook and Guilford Courthouse. Lee, an expert cavalryman, was promoted from Captain to Major of a Virginia dragoon and infantry detachment on the enthusiastic recommendation of none other than George Washington himself. As an educated intellectual and politician he rubbed elbows with other founding fathers like Jefferson, Hamilton and Madison.
Author and speechwriter Ryan Cole creates an engrossing narrative that skillfully avoids the usual pitfalls of these early American biographies (over-reliance on passages from letters, uneven focus on mundane aspects of the subject’s career, etc.) and triggers genuine emotion from the reader when recounting Lee’s military and political exploits as well as his all too human failings as a land speculator, husband and father. Henry Lee III was a fascinating, tragic figure. A Princeton educated academic from a large and noteworthy Virginia Colony family, he was stirred to action against the British during the feverish early days of American independence and demonstrated an exceptional talent for military and political leadership. His military career wasn’t without controversy, Court marshaled twice, he was a hothead that took wild risks and even had a deserter from his troop beheaded. After the war, Lee’s political career as a Federalist saw him become the adversary of a Democratic-Republican named Thomas Jefferson. The end of the war also ushered in the beginning of his many disastrous financial schemes that ultimately landed Lee in and out of debtor’s prison.
I personally came to learn of Lee when researching the infamous Baltimore riot of 1812, an especially violent affair which centered around Federalist publisher & newspaper provocateur Alexander Hanson (1786-1819) and during which Lee was badly injured defending his friend and horribly disfigured for the remainder of his life. The last, masterful chapters of the book deal with Lee’s final miserable years traveling the Caribbean, penniless and in constant physical pain from injuries sustained in the Baltimore attack (he nearly died in the riot). The author also compares the eery, ironic parallels of fate that lay in store for Light-horse Harry’s son, Robert E. Lee, himself a talented leader and war hero from Confederate Virginia who found himself on the wrong side of history. Throughout the book, Ryan Cole makes the important point that Lee always carried pride in his heart and a love for the new nation he helped to birth unto the west, its liberties he helped to win and his consequential bravery on the battlefield.
August 7, 2023
This is an approachable book about a consequential American, who is sadly known by too few Americans today. Henry Lee, aka Light Horse Harry Lee, wielded prodigious military and oratory skills in support of the American colonies’ break from Great Britain and the ratification of the US Constitution. He demonstrated superb valor and derring-do on the battlefields in NJ, PA, NC and SC. The author brings his military accomplishments to light in a gripping fashion. Sadly, Lee was never able to transfer his sharp military and political skills (he did serve in multiple state and federal leadership roles including that of VA governor) to his personal finances. Woefully mired in debt owing to highly speculative behaviors, he was nearly bludgeoned to death in Baltimore while defending the freedom of a friend. He ultimately abandoned his family, including his son Robert E Lee. His attempt to recuperate in the Caribbean failed, though he did make it back to America, a country he loved dearly, where he died in the former home of his compatriot, Nathanael Greene. The famous eulogizer of Washington, whom he served loyally and revered, fell hard from a life of serious military and political accomplishment. Serious and unserious students of history would do well to avail themselves of the life and times of Light Horse Harry Lee.
May 2, 2021
A well-told story of a fascinating and enigmatic person. What I'm left wondering is how such a brilliant man (who at the absolute nadir of his life and career still had a seemingly perfect command of the classical education he had received at Princeton--from which he graduated at age 17), and with the benefit of an accomplished military and political career, in the company of some of the greatest men of his time, could nevertheless manage to be such an incredibly foolish, reckless and (ultimately) dishonest speculator. My guess is that it was due to a mental illness, akin to a gambling compulsion. It would be a challenging task, but I hope a biographer will someday undertake to explain the source of Lee's weakness.
There are so many intriguing ironies in Lee's life (when it is seen from our perspective). An utterly fascinating character, whose story deserves to be better known. It is too easy, it seems to me, for us from our comfortable 21st century perspective, to underappreciate his contribution to the things we now hold dear.
There are so many intriguing ironies in Lee's life (when it is seen from our perspective). An utterly fascinating character, whose story deserves to be better known. It is too easy, it seems to me, for us from our comfortable 21st century perspective, to underappreciate his contribution to the things we now hold dear.
June 4, 2019
This seems like a very thorough book of a character in history that I had no knowledge. It took me a good chunk of the beginning to get past the narrator on the audio book. He is a mix of a civil war documentary narrator and Elaine’s boyfriend on Seinfeld.
I love history but I’m not much of a battle buff, so the first part of Lee’s life was a little overwhelming to me. But in say that, it’s what made him famous and it was war that made him excel. He was a very interesting character full of flaws and failures but also love for our country and the vision to see that it had a great future ahead. I enjoyed the parts he talked about Washington’s leadership, politics, and friendship as well as his take on other founding fathers.
I love history but I’m not much of a battle buff, so the first part of Lee’s life was a little overwhelming to me. But in say that, it’s what made him famous and it was war that made him excel. He was a very interesting character full of flaws and failures but also love for our country and the vision to see that it had a great future ahead. I enjoyed the parts he talked about Washington’s leadership, politics, and friendship as well as his take on other founding fathers.
August 4, 2019
This was a great account of a hero of the Revolutionary War and a close friend of George Washington. However, being a war hero and being a good person are two different things. Lee was driven by a desire for wealth, land and prominence. His greed was his downfall. At the end of his life he was a pitiful, shabby beggar swindling people for his meager existence. He had for all intents and purposes deserted his family, which included his youngest son, Robert E. Lee. Even though Robert E. Lee and his father both possessed great military acumen, he barely knew his father. It is a sad story of the life of a man who did much to win independence for our country from England, but was never able to control his personal life.
May 31, 2021
The famous Confederate General Robert E. Lee was born late in the life of his father, Light-Horse Harry Lee. The elder Lee was also a soldier, but the similarities ended there. The contemporary of George Washington was vainglorious, a terrible businessman, and in the end a pauper. While serving as governor of Virginia he considered leaving his post to fight in France's revolution.
Light-Horse Harry was beaten, cut horribly, and nearly blinded by an unruly mob. He became a swindler and beggar to survive, and did not provide for his family, including the boy Robert E. Lee. The end for the onetime revolutionary war soldier was a sad one.
Light-Horse Harry was beaten, cut horribly, and nearly blinded by an unruly mob. He became a swindler and beggar to survive, and did not provide for his family, including the boy Robert E. Lee. The end for the onetime revolutionary war soldier was a sad one.
February 20, 2021
The first half was mostly his military career during the American Revolution. Without maps, (this was an audiobook.) talk of battles is boring for me. The second half was more interesting, and it fleshed out more of his personality.
July 17, 2021
The sad story of the life of Robert E. Lee's father. The torture he suffered for his alleged "Toryism" was the point of no return from a downward spiral of misery. Even the title is tragic as they had to remind the public who is son was in the hopes of inducing sales.
November 14, 2021
Well written and goes into details of the life of Henry Lee. It is about his successes and failures. It shows other areas of the Revolutionary War such as in the south. I recommend this to anyone that is interested in the Revolutionary War and the lives of those who fought for independence.
June 8, 2022
An interesting tale of an “also ran” in the story of America’s founding. A basically good dude who kind of let it get away from him. A very human story, heroic, sad, tragic and a bit like all of us. I’m a fan.
June 1, 2023
A book written over 50 years ago still held my interest. It was clear of the woke sentiment running throughout today's historical tracts. The parts about the battles during the Revolutionary War were a bit exhausting, but otherwise, this book was a page-tuner.
November 29, 2024
This was a pretty goo biography of Light Horse Harry. It covered his up and downs thru the Revolution, his time in politics afterwards. His fall from grace in debtor's prison and then once released his last years of exile in the Carribean.
October 28, 2019
Fascinating book about an interesting man. A heroic and tragic life all wrapped up into one. I recommend reading the book if one is interested in Revolutionary War history.
December 3, 2020
A masterpiece of self pity
December 4, 2020
Exceptional book, well written, and immersive!
April 8, 2021
OOF. Hard read, but an interesting one. This dude lived a bumpy life and had an ugly end, but he contributed to the birth of the U.S. in fascinating ways that deserve to be remembered.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews