"Why isn't" is always tough to answer... but how often can I get a chance to write a detailed post on Richard Henry Lee? Buckle up, this is gonna be a long one.

I think I have to give my AskHistorians mug, membership card, and lapel pin back after saying this, but... Why should he be equal to them? Now just wait a minute, y'all... don't go get your tar and feathers quite yet - I actually own The Letters of Richard Henry Lee and hold him in quite a high regard, generally speaking... But, I mean, seriously, who tf has their own copy of The Letters of Richard Henry Lee (that was never required to purchase it)? A full-on history nerd, that's who. So let's talk about your Grand Pap Lee - and his lack of modern fame - for a bit.

Richard Henry Lee (hereafter RH) was undoubtedly a founding father and, but for a twist of fate, he would be famous. Well, more famous. At least more famous than, er, Robert Livingston or Roger Sherman. See, he introduced the Lee Resoluton, as you noted, which basically was our declaration of independence. He actually spurred the whole thing with a little help from his big brother Thomas Ludwell Lee (your 9th Great Uncle) and the Virginia House of Burgesses. Thomas Ludwell (TL) was also a member of the Virginia Burgesses and RH wrote him in Williamsburg from Philladelphia, requesting that the Virginia Assembly resolve to be free and independent from British control so he could have footing to propose the same in the Continental Congress. In fact he wrote a few folks; Patrick Henry on 20 Apr 1776;

This proves the indispensable necessity of our taking up government immediately, for the preservation of Society, to effect the purpose of applying with vigor the strength of the Country to its present critical state; and above all, to set an example which N. Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and N. York will most assuredly, in my opinion, follow; and which will effectually remove the baneful influence of Proprietary interests from the councils of America. When this is done, give peremptory instructions to your Delegates to take every effectual step to secure America from the despotic aims of the British Court by Treaties of Alliance with foreign States, or by any means that shall be thought most conducive to that end.

To Gen Charles Lee 22 Apr;

You ask me why we hesitate in Congress. I'll tell you my friend, because we are heavily clogged with instructions from these shamefully interested Proprietary people, and this will continue until Virginia sets the example of taking up Government, and sending peremptory Orders for their delegates [in Philly] to pursue the most effectual measures for the Security of America.

To Robert Carter Nicholas (a Virginia Burgesses member who, although he was instrumental in the response to the Stamp Tax years earlier, was very hesitant to break from England entirely) 30 Apr;

But sir, do you not see the indispensable necessity of establishing a Government this Convention? How long popular commotions may be suppressed without it, and anarchy be prevented, deserves intense consideration. A wise and free government may now be formed and the sensible advantages soon derived from it, will, added to the Magistrate's authority, effectual prevent the numerous evils to be apprehended from popular rage & license whenever they find the bonds of government removed, as is currently the case, by the last wicked Act of Parliament. We cannot be in rebellion, and without the Kings protection ; and Magistrates acting under his authority at the same time.

To Edmund Pendleton, president of the 5th Virginia convention (which is the one that passed this resolution), 12 May;

Before this reaches you I hope much progress will have been made towards the establishment of a wise and free government, without which neither public or private happiness or security can be long expected.

The plan he supported was simple: step one, be free. Step two, combine with other colonies into a confederation. Step three, ally with foreign nations (btw, this part will be on the test at the end!). It didnt take long; they - the Va Burgesses - had assembled May 6th and by the 15th of that month had passed what's known as the [Preamble and Resolution of the Virginia Convention] (https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/const02.asp), which stated quite plainly what their intent was;

Forasmuch as all the endeavours of the United Colonies, by the most decent representations and petitions to the King and Parliament of Great Britain, to restore peace and security to America under the British Government, and a reunion with that people upon just and liberal terms, instead of a redress of grievances, have produced, from an imperious and vindictive Administration, increased insult, oppression, and a vigorous attempt to effect our total destruction: ...[insert list of complaints against the crown here]... In this state of extreme danger, we have no alternative left but an abject submission to the will of those overbearing tyrants, or a total separation from the Crown and Government of Great Britain, uniting and exerting the strength of all America for defence, and forming alliances with foreign Powers for commerce and aid in war:-Wherefore, appealing to the Searcher of hearts for the sincerity of former declarations expressing our desire to preserve the connection with that nation, and that we are driven from that inclination by their wicked councils, and the eternal law of self-preservation:

Resolved, unanimously, That the Delegates appointed to represent this Colony in General Congress [i.e. RH Lee and co. in Philly] be instructed to propose to that respectable body to declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain; and that they give the assent of this Colony to such declaration, and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances, and a Confederation of the Colonies, at such time and in the manner as to them shall seem best: Provided, That the power of forming Government for, and the regulations of the internal concerns of each Colony, be left to the respective Colonial Legislatures.

Resolved, unanimously, That a Committee be appointed to prepare a Declaration of Rights, and such a plan of Government as will be most likely to maintain peace and order in this Colony, and secure substantial and equal liberty to the people.

Once more, with feeling!

Resolved, unanimously, That the Delegates appointed to represent this Colony in General Congress be instructed to... declare the United Colonies free and independent States, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the Crown or Parliament of Great Britain... and to whatever measures may be thought proper and necessary by the Congress for forming foreign alliances, and a Confederation of the Colonies

Step one. Step three. Step two (don't worry, it still works like that). The last paragraph refers to a committee to draft a, well, declaration by the Burgesses that we are free and independent, or what you might call a "declaration of independence". It was formed and with both Lee's being named to it (it was a fairly large group), though RH was in Philly at the time. RH was a happy boy upon learning of this, writing to TL on 28 May;

The sensible and spirited resolve of my Countrymen on the 15th has gladdened the heart of every friend to human nature in this place, and it will have a wonderful good effect on the misguided Councils of these Proprietery colonies.

Cont'd