LEE.
Lee was formed in 1792, from Russell, and named after Henry
Lee, Gov. of Va. from 1791 to 1794; it lies in the southwestern
angle of the state, bordering on Tennessee and Kentucky. Its
greatest length is 75 miles; breadth 10 miles. The Cumberland
mountains run on the Kentucky line, the Powell mountain is on a
part of the SE. boundary, and there are several other ridges in the
county, known as Stone, Chesnut, Wallens, &c. Powell's River
runs lengthwise through the county into Tennessee. Much of the
land is of a very black, rich soil. The staples are beef, pork, and
horses. The people of this county make their own sugar and molasses
from the maple sugar tree, which grows in great abundance.
Pop. in 1840, whites 7,829, slaves 580, free colored 32; total,
8,441.
Jonesville, the county-seat, lies 284 miles from Richmond, 65
from Knoxville, Tenn., and 60 from Barboursville, Kentucky, on
one of the branches of Powell's River. It stands on a beautiful
eminence, in the midst of wild mountain scenery. It was founded
in 1793, and contains a church, 5 stores, and about 40 dwellings.
The following account of a duel which took place in this county
in the year 1823, is from a newspaper of the time:
A remarkable duel took place in Lee county, on Sunday, Dec. 7th, which has been
the subject of much conversation here. . . . . . Two negro men, belonging to two gentlemen,
had been smitten by the charms of a sable beauty, and neither being willing to
yield to the other, they determined, like gentlemen, to decide their pretensions by a duel.
The arrangement was accordingly made, and they met in a distant and retired wood,
unattended by seconds, and without the knowledge of any other person—each armed
with a trusty rifle. Their proceedings appear to have been conducted with a strict honor,
the more remarkable in such case, as it was exhibited by slaves. The ground was measured
off about fifteen paces; the antagonists took their posts; the word was given by
one of them, and both instantly fell—one shot through the heart, and the other through
the right breast. The former expired immediately; the latter, with great difficulty and
pain, crawled to a small path not far from the scene of combat; but unable to go further,
he remained by it in the hope that some one would pass and find him. He lay
there, under all the suffering which his wound and exposure inflicted, until the following
Tuesday, before he was found. Depressed and debased as that unfortunate race is,
there are occasional instances in which they exhibit traits of character which elevate
them above the sphere to which our policy compels us to confine them. The strict observance
of honorable conduct, and the cool, determined courage of these negroes, afford
an example which ought to make some gentlemen of high condition blush.
