William Henry Fitzhugh Lee was an American military and statesman. He served in Senate from 1875 to 1879. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia's district from 1887 to 1891.
Background
William Henry Fitzhugh Lee, known as Rooney Lee, was born on May 31, 1837 at Arlington, Virginia, United States. He was the second son of General Robert Edward Lee and Mary Ann Randolph Custis Lee, the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington by her first marriage. He was nicknamed "Rooney" to distinguish him from his first cousin Fitzhugh Lee of "Clermont."
Education
William was one of the liveliest and most likable of the Lee children. He was adventurous and as a child evoked his father's praise couched in jest. Lee referred to him as "too large to be a man, too small to be a horse" and believed he needed a tight rein. When he was eight years old, Rooney cut off his the tips of the forefinger and middle finger on his left hand while playing with a set of straw cutters.
William attended Harvard University for one year. At Harvard, he was popular and quickly fell in with Boston society. He demonstrated his athletic prowess, pulling an oar on the Harvard crew. He did not remain at Harvard to graduate.
William Lee followed in his father's footsteps and entered the United States Army in 1857. He was appointed a second lieutenant in the 6th Infantry and served under Col. Albert Sidney Johnston in the Mormon campaign. In 1859 he resigned his commission and became a farmer on his historic estate, the "White House," near Richmond, Virginia. Upon the outbreak of hostilities in 1861, Lee, an ardent adherent of the Confederacy, organized a picked cavalry company. In May he was successively appointed captain and major of cavalry and in the West Virginia campaign served as chief of cavalry for General Loring.
In the winter of 1861-1862 he was ordered to Fredericksburg and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel and, shortly, colonel, of the 9th Virginia Cavalry. He followed Stuart in all his subsequent campaigns from Yorktown to Richmond, riding with him in his first raid around McClellan's army. He fought at Second Manassas, and distinguishing himself in the rear-guard action at Turner's Pass was unhorsed and left unconscious on the field. After making a brilliant record for bravery and leadership in Stuart's Chambersburg raid, in November 1862 he was appointed brigadier general and commanded his brigade in the Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg campaigns.
At Brandy Station, on June 9, 1863, he received a severe wound. Stuart, in his official report, deplored "the casualty which deprives us, for a short time only, it is hoped, of his valuable services." About two weeks later, while he was recuperating, he was captured and imprisoned. He was not exchanged until March 1864, when, at the age of twenty-seven, he was promoted major-general of cavalry.
During the ensuing campaign of 1864, he opposed the Wilson raid in June and commanded the cavalry at Globe Tavern in August. He commanded the Confederate right at Five Forks, and during the last desperate fighting of the Appomattox campaign was second in command of the cavalry.
Had not Lee been the son of Robert E. Lee, who felt a modest hesitancy in promoting him, and had he not been so long imprisoned, his military ability probably would have won even greater recognition. After the war he again became a farmer, was president of the Virginia State Agricultural Society, and served one term of four years (1875-1879) in the state Senate. Elected three times to Congress, he served there from 1887 until his death in 1891.
Achievements
Religion
William was an Episcopalian.
Politics
William was a member of the Democratic party.
Personality
Lee was not of the dashing type of cavalry officer, but he was a scientific fighter. Unfailingly cool, never playing for personal reputation, he held the perfect confidence and respect of his men.
He was also a noted rider, and if possible was in the saddle every day. He was a courteous, genial gentleman and was regarded with affection by many Virginians.
For long after the Civil War, when the days at Arlington were dim memories, William Lee still maintained the old regimen of evening tea, prayers before breakfast and at bedtime, and Sunday evening hymn singing.
Quotes from others about the person
"Rooney Lee was the best oarsman I have ever seen, Fitz Lee the best horseman." - General Horace Porter
Connections
Lee was twice married. In 1859 he married Charlotte Wickham. During the war William lost his young wife and both of their children.
In 1867, he married Mary Tabb Bolling and they eventually had several children.