Early in 1780, he returned with his legion to the south, having been previously promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, to join General Greene, who was then watching the movements of Cornwallis.
At the celebrated retreat of Greene, before Cornwallis, the legion of Major Lee formed the rear-guard of the American army; and so hasty was the pursuit, that Lee, coming in contact with the dragoons of Tarleton, in a successful charge, killed eighteen, and made a captain and fifteen privates prisoners. When the safety of General Greene’s retreat was certain, Lee, with Colonel Pickins, was detached to intercept and watch the movements of Lord Cornwallis. Lee now formed a plan to surprise Tarleton, and on their way to execute the plan, they fell in with some messengers, dispatched by some loyalists to Tarleton, to apprise him of his situation. These messengers, mistaking the legion of Lee for the British, freely communicated the object of their errand, which enabled Lee to act accordingly.
He particularly distinguished himself in the battle of Guildford. Afterwards he succeeded in capturing Fort Cornwallis, and other forts.
In the battle of Eutaw Springs, which soon followed, his military talents were again exerted, and again contributed in no small degree to the successful issue of the day. Our hero was next dispatched by General Greene to lay before his commander-in-chief the exigencies of the troops under his command. Washington was then engaged in the siege of Yorktown, and Lee arrived a few days only before its surrender. He was present at that imposing and eventful ceremony, and, after having executed his commission, returned again to the south. The health of Colonel Lee had been much impaired by the fatigues and hardships he had undergone; besides, he fancied himself neglected, and his services underrated. Under the influence of these feelings, he sought and obtained permission to retire from the army. Soon after his return to Virginia, he married Matilda, the daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee, and settled at Stratford, in Westmoreland county.
In 1786, he was appointed a delegate in Congress from Virginia, in which body he remained till the constitution was adopted. In 1791, he was chosen governor of Virginia, and retained the office three years. He was a member of Congress at the death of General Washington, and was appointed by Congress to deliver an eulogy on the occasion. He retained his seat in Congress until the election of Jefferson to the chief magistracy, when he retired into private life. The last years of this gallant officer were clouded by pecuniary embarrassments. The profuse and extravagant mode of living in Virginia ruined his estate, and obliged him for some time to submit to the incarceration of a prison.
During his confinement he composed his memoirs of the southern campaign, in which he had been one of the principal actors; the events of which he had so good an opportunity of knowing. In hopes of restoring his broken health, Colonel Lee repaired to the West Indies, in order to try a warmer and more equable climate; but his hopes proved futile, and in 1818, on his return to the United States, he died on the 25th of March, at the house of Mrs. Shaw, on Cumberland Island, near St. Mary’s, Georgia, the daughter of his old friend and companion in arms, General Greene.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDAL.
Occasion.—Attack on Paulus Hook.
Device.—Bust of Colonel Lee.