who themselves entertained
designs of peculating upon the public funds, would be glad to get Mr.
Lee out of their way. To lay the proceedings of a secret committee
before congress would be to defeat its very object and contradict its
name. The third charge was that he favored New England at the expense of
Virginia and the South. It was known that America could be conquered
only by disunion. Mr. Lee called on his accusers to show that he ever
had in a single instance preferred the interest of New England to that
of Virginia. Indeed, he knew not in what respects their interests
conflicted. New England and Virginia had both exhibited a fixed
determination against British tyranny, and their guilt was alike in the
eyes of the common enemy. The majority of the other colonies had
entitled themselves to some hopes of pardon from the tyrant by
vacillating conduct. Among the Middle and Southern States there was, in
Mr. Lee's opinion, much enmity to Virginia, owing to jealousy of her
wisdom, vigor, and extent of territory; but he had ever discovered,
"upon every question, respect and love for Virginia among the Eastern
delegates." It was his consolation, that "the malignants, who would
represent him as an enemy to his country, could not make him so." He
gave his enemies credit for more address than he had supposed they
possessed, in making use of a good principle--rotation in office--for
his ruin; and he believed that the act, limiting the term of service to
three years, was framed expressly to fit his case; and thus a malicious
slander, uttered in his absence, appeared likely to be successful.[684:A]
Mr. Lee had been superseded early in the session while absent--a
flagrant injustice against which no reputation could be safe. John
Banister, although not very fond of Mr. Lee, said of his speech on this
occasion: "Certainly no defence was ever made with more graceful
eloquence, more manly firmness, equalness of temper, serenity, calmness,
and judgment, than this very accomplished speaker displayed on this
occasion; and I am now of opinion he will be re-elected to his former
station instead of Mr. George Mason, who has resigned."[684:B] Mr. Lee
is said to have shed tears while speaking on this occasion. The enquiry
being ended, the senate withdrew, and in compliance with a resolution of
the house, the speaker returned Mr. Lee their thanks for the faithful
services which he had rendered his country while in congress. The
speaker added