His mother died on August 16, , but not before putting Stratford Hall in trust to the younger Henry. The following year his father took office as the governor of Virginia and the family moved to Richmond.
In he became the master of Stratford Hall after his father, having made some bad investments, fled the dilapidated estate and his creditors. Like his father, Lee had political and military ambitions. He represented Westmoreland County in the House of Delegates for three terms β before entering military service against Great Britain during the War of He was appointed a major in the 36th Regiment of the U.
After the war, Lee returned to Stratford. With the help of his uncle Richard Bland Lee, he sought a military appointment.
President James Madison eventually offered him the position of assistant inspector general for the southern division, which Lee declined. One of three candidates, Lee managed to get only After his congressional defeat, Lee remained active in social circles in Washington, D.
He was known more for his intellect than his looks, and for his tendency toward sarcasm and invective. No known image of Lee exists, but Governor Henry A. Lee; but rather ugly in face, a mouth without a line of the bow of Diana about it, and nose not cut clean and classic, but rather meaty.
