Richard Henry Lee

Richard Henry Lee
January 20, 1732 – June 19, 1794
An American statesman from Virginia best known for the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain. His famous resolution of June 1776 might have led him to be the author of the Declaration of Independence had he not been called home because of his wife's untimely illness. This historic happenstance led to the appointment of his protege, and the Junior representative from Virginia, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson would pen what many say is the most important political statement of the Millenium and forever enshrine himself in the hearts and minds of his countrymen. The United States Declaration of Independence, which Lee signed, was penned by "the second stringer", Jefferson.

Lee also served a one-year term as the President of the Continental Congress, and was a U.S. Senator from Virginia from 1789 to 1792, serving during part of that time as one of the first Presidents pro tempore.

The Lee Resolution