Collections

Governor Lee's Executive papers are organized chronologically with undated items arranged at the end of each year. These papers primarily consist of incoming correspondence during Lee's three one-year terms as governor between 1 December 1791 until 1 December 1794. These records include correspondence written to James Wood who acted as Lieutenant Governor while Lee traveled to Nashville and again when he served as commander of the United States forces during the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. The correspondence in this collection relates to a variety of topics including appointments for state positions; the Point of Fork Arsenal; defense of the frontier; the Whiskey Rebellion; resignations; arms & ammunition; Indian attacks; French emigrants; the Federal City; the Lunatic Hospital in Williamsburg; state expenses & revenue; quarantine of vessels; foreign affairs; Revolutionary claims; public tobacco; elections; Presidential electors; the Capitol Building; fortification of Alexandria & Norfolk harbors; the militia; and others. In addition to correspondence, there are resolutions from Congress and the Virginia Senate & House of Delegates; muster & pay rolls; accounts; oaths; pardons; receipts; election returns; election certificates; qualifications; lists; depositions; proclamations; petitions; reports; appointments; bonds; commissions; orders; reports; proceedings; applications; and other sundry items. Note that the pardons for 1792 have been separated to the end of the papers for that year.