Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia (1732–1794). Lee served as President of the Continental Congress, yet opposed the Constitution because it lacked a bill of rights. He served in the Senate and resigned after the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution. Handwritten postscript, signed “R. H. Lee,” clipped from the closing of a letter on a 7.25 x 1 slip, no date. Postscript reads, in full: “P. S. Since writing the above we have that the informality may essentially be caused by making the power of Attorney to Bushrod Washington Esqr. that Mr. Lee may witness my execution.” In fine condition, with a bit of trivial toning and a few light folds.
Lee was an intimate of George Washington, and his family were frequent visitors to Mount Vernon. The “Bushrod Washington, Esqr.” referred to in the postscript would most likely be George Washington’s nephew and heir to Mount Vernon. Bushrod’s brother Corbin married Lee’s daughter, Hannah, though both died young. Lee, a lawyer as well as a politician, seems to be referring to a legal document or letter that preceded the postscript.
In his 1995 reference “History Comes to Life”, Kenneth Rendell places Lee’s autograph material into the “rare” category among the Signers. However, in addition to the valuable signature, this brief clipping also provides a tantalizing glimpse into the close family ties among Revolutionary Virginia’s first families. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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