Mary Digges Lee

Mary Digges Lee (born 1745 in Prince George's County , Province of Maryland , † January 25, 1805 ) was an American woman who lived during the American Revolutionary War . She was the wife of Thomas Sim Lee , governor of Maryland.

Private life

Mary Digges Lee, daughter of Ignatius Digges, was born in 1745 on the family estate, Mellwood Park, in Prince George's County. In October 1771 she married Thomas Sim Lee, who came from "Blenheim". The celebrations took place at the Digges family estate. The couple had eight children together during the course of their marriage. They later settled in Needwood , now Frederick County .

The couple were very active for American forces during the American Revolutionary War. They were also very religiously and socially engaged. In this context, they founded St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Petersville , Maryland.

Mary Digges Lee not only played an exemplary role in helping American troops, she was also a devoted wife, mother, housewife, and hostess . Her accomplishments, given the general coordination of endeavors in such an enterprise, mark her as a real leader, a role model who indeed deserved the title of "First Lady of Maryland". She died on January 25, 1805, at the age of 60. Her husband no longer married after her death and died on November 9, 1819.

American War of Independence

Thomas Sim Lee was elected second governor of Maryland in 1779, succeeding Thomas Johnson in office. He held this position until 1782. After the war, he was re-elected for a second term in 1792. He held the office until 1794.

The American Revolutionary War was a difficult time for everyone, and especially demanding for the Lees. Supplies were low and morale was poor. Maryland Line officials reported the deplorable conditions of the continental troops. With supply shortages an imminent threat, General George Washington appealed to his friend, Governor Lee, for assistance, stating that "if some extraordinary and immediate efforts are not being made by the states supplying us, there are appearances that the army is." is dissolved within fourteen days ". After this interview, Lee asked his wife for assistance. This then quickly stepped into the public spotlight, a place that was forbidden to women because it was too risky.

Determined to come to the aid of her compatriots, she committed herself to alleviating some of the pain and suffering of the American soldiers. In 1780, she won the help of Maryland's women in gathering much-needed supplies. Mary collected money and supplies for the troops. She also encouraged other women to donate their talent and time to the cause. In response to requests for linen shirts for the soldiers, she gathered the women together and immediately put 260 shirts ready for delivery. Mary wrote to General Washington informing him how best to use the money and materials she had collected. She proudly announced that she had raised "a substantial amount to relieve the American Army." General Washington wrote back to Mary, expressing his gratitude for the "patriotic efforts of the Ladies of Maryland on behalf of the Army".

Web links

• Maryland Women's Hall of Fame (English)