Chantilly in Virginia. 1 June 1767
My Lord.
Wonder not my Lord that the people in this remote part of his Majestie’s dominions revere your Lordships character, since there is no part of the British Empire but feels the influence of Lord Camdens virtue. America in particular must ever regard your Lordship as the Patron of its liberty, the best possession of human nature. Prompted by gratitude they entreat your Lordship will condescend to accept their humble thanks, and favor them with permitting your picture to be taken, that it may remain a memorial to posterity of their veneration, and of the inestimable benefit derived to British America from your Lordships protection. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect
My Lord &c.
R. H. Lee
To the right Honorable Charles Pratt Lord Camden, Lord high Chancellor of G. Britain.
Lee PapersVirginia Historical Society
Printed in James Curtis Ballagh, The Letters of Richard Henry Lee, Volume 1, 1762 - 1778, pp. 22 - 23. Printed also in R. H. Lee, Memoir of the Life of Richard Henry Lee and his Correspondence, 1:48.
In June 1766 Lee led the effort in Westmoreland County to sponsor a portrait of Lord Camden. See Lee's Subscription for Portrait of Lord Camden, 22 June 1766.