Customer Reviews

The Revolutionary War Memoirs Of General Henry Lee

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Lee's work is well written and, in some cases, provides the only description of the legion of battles and skirmishes that characterized the Southern Campaign. The reader needs to keep in mind that Lee wrote in the 18th century tradition of exagerating one's own triumphs and glossing over any shortcomings. Lee likewise writes in a seemingly authoritative manner about events where he wasn't present. For example his condemnation of the NC militia at the battle of Guilford CH has influenced most subsequent accounts although Lee wasn't aware that their orders allowed them to leave the field after delivering up two rounds. In contrast he fails to mention the flight of the Virginia militia in the right wing. Given these faults, Lee's work is still the best of it's kind. Any Rev War library should have a copy.

Anyone with a sobriquet of "Lighthorse Harry" sets up some expectations with his memoirs, but this book delivers on them. Not only does the book take you into the thick of battle in the Revolutionary War's "Southern Campaign", it also takes you to deliberations about how the Colonists reacted to British Rule and what kind of government America should have and how it should solve practical issues of the day. Henry Lee was there for all of it as one of the "Lees of Virginia". This book has a zest and pacing that gently draws the reader in for the next installment.

edited by Robert E. Lee, one of Harry's sons, this is really hard to read due to the flowery language. I mean, you can read a whole page and then realize he didn't say anything of significance! But, it is insightful if you're interested in the Revolutionary War and its effect on the South. I was particularly interested in his handling of Tarleton..."the unrelenting conqueror shut his ears to the voice of supplication, as he had steeled his heart against the claims of mercy." Like elsewhere in the book, you have to read all the lengthy footnotes for explanations of exactly what transpired. Lee wrote as though every thought was going to be quoted, like the famous quote about Washington. I admit though, that I've never read another Rev. War account that matches this! I just wouldn't recommend this to the casual reader.