Light Horse Harry
The American Congress to Henry Lee, Colonel of Cavalry:—
“Notwithstanding rivers and intrenchments, he with a small band ered the foe by warlike skill and prowess, and firmly bound by his humanity, those who had been conquered by his arms.”
In memory of the conflict at Paulus’s Hook,
nineteenth of August, 1779
I
The most dashing and romantic young soldier of the Continental Army, was Light Horse Harry. His real name was Henry Lee.
He was a small, alert, young man, mischievous sometimes, but always brave. He was a cavalry-leader. He commanded the famous Legion of Light Horse, which took part in so many heroic battles. He was one of Washington’s most trusted generals.
His charm and dauntlessness delighted Washington, who showed warm interest in his promotion; perhaps this was because Light Horse Harry’s mother had been Washington’s young sweetheart in his schoolboy days. “My lowland beauty,” he had called her. But she had married a Lee, and not Washington.
Light Horse Harry had many adventures as romantic and daring as himself.
II
Light Horse Harry was a favourite at Mount Vernon. He did not stand in any reverential awe of the great Washington.
One day, as they sat at table, Washington mentioned that he wanted a pair of carriage horses, and asked the young man if he knew where they might be bought.
“I have a fine pair, General,” replied he, “but you cannot get them.”
“Why not?”
“Because you will never pay more than half price for anything; and I must have full price for my horses.”
This bantering reply set Mrs. Washington laughing; and her parrot, perched beside her, joined in the laugh.
Washington took this familiar assault upon his dignity with great good humour.
“Ah, Lee, you are a funny fellow!” said he, “See, that bird is laughing at you!”
III
When Washington died, it was Light Horse Harry who was chosen by Congress to deliver the funeral oration before both Houses. It was in this oration that he said those famous words:—
“He survives in our hearts—in the growing knowledge of our children, in the affection of the good throughout the World,—... first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen... pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere, uniform, dignified and commanding... the purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues.”
Washington Irving and Other Sources (Retold)