Lee, Charles

Epithet: Perpetual Curate of Holy Trinity, St Pancras, London

Charles Lee was born in 1731 in Dernhall, Cheshire, England, to John Lee and Isabella Bunbury Lee. He attended school at Bury St. Edmunds and in Switzerland. In 1747, he was an ensign in the British army and in 1751, appointed a lieutenant in the 44th Regiment. He served in the British army during the French and Indian War (Seven Years' War), seeing action during Braddock's expedition in 1755, and being wounded at Ticonderoga in 1758. He returned from his wounds to participate in the capture of Fort Niagra. In August 1761, Lee was appointed major in the 103rd Regiment and served in a British expedition to Portugal, where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. After the war ended, the 103rd was disbanded and Lee was put on half-pay. He served in the Polish army in 1765-1766 and fought with the Russian army in 1769-1770. Lee emigrated to America in 1773 and settled in Berkeley County, (West) Virginia. When the American Revolution began, Lee was appointed a major general. After serving with the army and under George Washington in New England and New York, Lee was dispatched by Congress to command southern forces in the defense of Charles Town, South Carolina, in the Spring of 1776. After Charles Town was successfully defended from the British, Lee returned to the northern army. Lee was captured by the British in December 1776. During his imprisonment, Lee may have given "aid and comfort" to the British. Exchanged in 1778, Lee rejoined the Continental army. His subsequent actions at the battle of Monmouth led to a court of inquiry and suspension from the army for twelve months. Lee was dismissed from army by Congress in 1780. He retired to his estate in Berkeley County. Lee died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2 October 1782, and was buried in Christ Church.

Epithet: trade union official