Signed by: Secretary of War William Eustis & James Madison as President
Washington 1st of January 1815 Lieutenant Colonel
Engraved by John Draper, Philadelphia
Overall Size of Frames 17 ½” x 20 ¾”
Commentary: Washington Lee (1786-1871), a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, joined the United States Army in May 1808 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served for eight years until his retirement. He served as judge advocate under General Wade Hampton and was appointed assistant adjutant general, June 24, 1812, shortly after which he was promoted to Captain in the 16th Regiment of Infantry. This commission was signed on July 23rd, 1812 by William Eustis, then the Secretary of War, and President James Madison. In March of 1813 Lee was promoted to Major and later in the year was appointed deputy postmaster general of the Unites States forces. On January 1st, 1815 his commission as a Lieutenant Colonel (effective June 1814) was signed by James Monroe as Secretary of War and James Madison as President.
Both commissions are dramatically engraved by John Draper, among the earliest skilled engravers of American origin. The upper portion of each document is dominated by a large American eagle and crest and the lower quarter of each sheet bears a bold grouping of cannon, crossed flags, drums, weapons and other symbolic militaria. Draper pursued a long and successful career in the engraving and printing business and was a specialist in bank notes. Embossed official seals are attached in the upper left portions of each document.
Washington Lee was the son of Andrew Lee, a Revolutionary War captain of dragoons who served under General Sullivan. His mother was Priscilla Steward. Andrew Lee was one of the “Paxtang Boys” of Pennsylvania and survived a stint in the infamous British prison hulks anchored in New York harbor. Although trained in the law, Washington Lee sought a military career and served with success and distinction. After his retirement from military service, Lee married Elizabeth Campbell and became a farmer in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania where he built a large home on the east bank of the Susquehanna River. Lee died in 1871 in Wilkes Barre.
