Henry Lee (1756-1818).

Funeral Oration on the Death of General Washington, Delivered at the Request of Congress.

Boston: Printed for Joseph Nancrede and Manning & Loring, [1800].

8°. 15, [1 blank] pp. With a woodcut illustrated title page.

Modern marbled paper hardcover with gold-tooled leather title label on spine.

The very rare first Boston edition, published shortly after George Washington's death, of Major-General Henry Lee's oration delivered to both Houses of Congress and a crowd of 4,000 at Washington's funeral on December 26, 1799.

Washington passed away on December 14, 1799, triggering an outpouring of eulogies (see Stillwell, Washington Eulogies). The earliest edition was likely published in Philadelphia, “by Order of Congress,” and issued without a full title page. The Boston edition offered here followed very shortly thereafter.

Lee’s oration is the most famous of George Washington's funeral eulogies, contributing significantly to the construction of his image as the Father of the Nation. It contains iconic lines such as "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." This work reflects the widespread admiration for Washington and underscores his role as a unifying figure in early American history.

Henry Lee was a prominent Virginian, Revolutionary War officer, and political leader. A rival in love with Washington earlier in life, he later served under him and Nathanael Greene in the American army, reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel and playing a key role in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.
Lee went on to serve as a Virginia delegate to the Congress of the Confederation (1786-1788), governor of Virginia (1791-1794), and member of the House of Representatives (1799-1801). He accompanied Washington during the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion and was chosen by him as second-in-command of the U.S. Army. Despite his achievements, Lee’s later life was marred by financial struggles. He is also remembered as the father of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Condition: a few minor marginal chips and tears. Slightly browned. Otherwise in very good condition.

Provenance: from the Patriotic library of Daniel Jouve, with his ex-libris.

Reference:

Stillwell, Washington Eulogies, no. 134.

Evans 37804.

Sabin 39747.