The American General Lee taken Prisoner by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt of the English Army
Date1783
After work by
William Hamilton
Engraver
Hawkins
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white line engraving and etching
DimensionsPLATE: H: 13" x W: 8 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1930-486
DescriptionUpper margin reads: "Engraved for BARNARD's New Complete & Authentic HISTORY of ENGLAND." Lower margin reads: "Hamilton delin./ Hawkins sculp./ The American General Lee taken Prisoner by Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt/ of the ENGLISH ARMY, in Morris Country, New Jersey, 1776."
Label TextThis illustration was published in Edward Barnard's, "'New Complete & Authentic History of England' (1781-83). General Charles Lee was captured on his way to join George Washington in Pennsylvania while spending the night at a tavern in Basking Ridge, New Jersey with some of his men. The following morning, December 12, 1776, a British patrol consisting of officers Cornet Banastre Tarleton and William Harcourt, 3rd Earl Harcourt, surprised Lee at the tavern where he was in his dressing gown writing letters. He remained in British custody until he was exchanged for General Richard Prescott over a year later.
ProvenanceNot known.
