ger existed. On the
17th of August, 1794, Lee, at Richmond, thus wrote to the President:--

"When I saw you in Philadelphia, I had many conversations
with you respecting Mr. Henry, and since my return I have
talked very freely and confidentially with that gentleman. I
plainly perceive that he has credited some information,
which he has received (from whom I know not), which induces
him to believe that you consider him a factious, seditious
character.... Assured in my own mind that his opinions are
groundless, I have uniformly combated them, and lament that
my endeavors have been unavailing. He seems to be deeply and
sorely affected. It is very much to be regretted; for he is
a man of positive virtue as well as of transcendent talents;
and were it not for his feelings above expressed, I verily
believe, he would be found among the most active supporters
of your administration. Excuse me for mentioning this matter
to you. I have long wished to do it, in the hope that it
would lead to a refutation of the sentiments entertained by
Mr. Henry."[457]

To this letter Washington sent a reply which expressed unabated regard
for his old friend; and this reply, having been shown by Lee to Henry,
drew from him this noble-minded answer:--

TO GENERAL HENRY LEE.

RED HILL, 27 June, 1795.

MY DEAR SIR,--Your very friendly communication of so much of
the President's letter as relates to me, demands my sincere
thanks. Retired as I am from the busy world, it is still
grateful to me to know that some portion of regard remains
for me amongst my countrymen; especially those of them whose
opinions I most value. But the esteem of that personage, who
is contemplated in this correspondence, is highly flattering
indeed.

The American Revolution was the grand operation, which
seemed to be assigned by the Deity to the men of this age in
our country, over and above the common duties of life. I
ever prized at a high rate the superior privilege of being
one in that chosen age, to which Providence intrusted its
favorite work. With this impression, it was impossible for
me to resist the impulse I felt to contribute my mite
towards accomplishing that event, which in future will give
a superior aspect to the men of these times. To the man,