Charles Lee

"He is the promise of a better future."

- Haytham Kenway to Connor regarding Charles Lee

Charles Lee (1732 – 1782) was a British soldier who served during the French and Indian War and joined the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War as a General. Lee, throughout his military career, was also a prominent member of the Templar Order and later became the Grand Master from 1781 until his death in 1782 at the hands of Ratonhnhaké:ton.

Early life
Charles Lee was born to John Lee, a prominent British Colonel, and Isabella Bunbury, daughter of a British Conservative politician. Due to his father's reputation and encouragement, Charles pursued a military career at a young age. He was sent to a military academy in Switzerland and by 1746 joined his father's regiment as an ensign. He returned to England in 1751 and was commissioned to the rank of lieutenant.

In 1754 he was sent to the British Colonies in America to serve under General Edward Braddock to fight in the French and Indian War. At some point, Lee learned of and became affiliated with the Templar Order and was keen to join them. Lee was given instructions by the Templars to assist Haytham Kenway.

Serving the Templar Order
"If I am to serve the Order I can imagine no better mentor than yourself."

- Lee to Haytham.

Haytham, soon after Lee, arrived in America and the two met at a pier in Boston. The two introduced themselves and became well acquainted. Lee arranged for their stay at the Green Dragon Tavern and introduced Haytham to William Johnson.

Lee and Haytham then set out to meet with Thomas Hickey. The three proceeded to raid a compound of bandits, retrieving Johnson's stolen research on the Kanien'kehá:ka and returned to the tavern.

Later, Lee and Haytham searched for Benjamin Church, who was captured by Silas Thatcher and his accomplice, Cutter, for protection money. After searching Church's ransacked home and eavesdropping on several guards and eyewitnesses, Lee and Haytham deduced Church's location, in a warehouse on a pier. They rescued Church from being tortured and brought him to the Green Dragon.

Lee and Haytham went to gather the final recruit, Jonathan Pitcairn, from General Braddock. However, Braddock and Haytham were clearly at odds, and Braddock was already angered by the fact that Lee was in service to Haytham, which led to him denying their request to give them Pitcairn as he was charged for treason and desertion. In a plan to retrieve Pitcairn, Lee followed and pretended to be an angry citizen against the Redcoats, provoking Braddock into a chase by throwing horse manure on him. Lee lured Braddock and his men to a dead end, which allowing him, Haytham and Pitcairn to fight and kill Braddock's patrol, though Haytham spared Braddock.

With all of the Templar recruits assembled at the Green Dragon tavern, Haytham proposed a plan to infiltrate Southgate Fort and kill Silas Thatcher, a notorious slaver. Haytham explained that by killing Silas and freeing the captive slaves, they would be able to gain favor with the Kanien'kehá:ka in order to gain information that would lead them to the mysterious precursor site.

Lee and the others proceeded to ambush a slave cart transport, killing the escorts and disguising themselves in their uniforms, where they then escorted the cart to the fort. Inside, Haytham stealthily freed the slaves while Lee and the others blended with and distracted the guards. However, upon realizing that the slaves had escaped, Silas raised the alarm. To this, Lee and the others triggered a battle, fending off the guards while Haytham and Church killed Silas, allowing them to free the remaining slaves.

After several weeks, Haytham decided to make contact with the Kanien'kehá:ka woman, Kaniehtí:io, who would be a valuable ally in the search for the precursor site. Lee was able to find a lead, informing Haytham that she had been seen in the wilderness near Lexington. However, Lee left shortly after beginning the search, explaining that he had to return to his commission under Braddock.

Lee returned months later to Lexington in 1755, to aid Haytham in his plan to kill General Braddock. Lee assisted by taking part in Braddock's expedition and attacked, allowing Haytham to kill Braddock in the resulting chaos.

"You are a Templar. May the Father of Understanding guide us."

- Haytham to Lee.

Haytham returned days later, revealing that the precursor site had contained nothing and disregarded it as merely a painted cave. Haytham then changed their goal to establish a permanent base and to expand Templar power and influence throughout the colonies. Commending Lee for his dedication and loyalty, Haytham decided to finally and formally induct Lee into the Templar Order, placing a Templar ring on his finger that had previously belonged to Braddock.

Meeting Ratonhnhaké:ton
"You are a nothing. A speck of dust. You and all your ilk. Living in the dirt like animals, oblivious to the true ways of the world."

- Lee to Ratonhnhaké:ton.

In 1760, Lee and his fellow Templars, with the exception of Haytham, sought to meet with the elders of the local Kanien'kehá:ka tribe.

Along the way, Lee encountered a young boy in the forest and forcibly demanded the location of his village. Instead of answering, the boy defiantly asked for Lee's name, before warning him steadfastly that he would find Lee. Amused, Lee mocked the boy, saying that he would look forward to it, and left after Johnson had knocked the child out.

Unbeknownst to Lee, the boy was actually the son of Haytham, Ratonhnhaké:ton. Soon after, Lee and the others found the village and attempted to negotiate with the tribe's elders, to no luck. Following this, the Templar group left, though Ratonhnhaké:ton's village was soon set ablaze by George Washington and his forces; something which the Native American would mistakenly attribute to the Templars.

The French and Indian War
Lee participated in several battles during the French and Indian War throughout 1755 to 1759, such as the battles at Forts Ticonderoga, Niagara and the British conquest of Montreal. Lee soon after returned to England in 1760 and was promoted to the rank of Major and fought in several campaigns in Portugal and Poland.

Despite his service, Lee was not well paid, hence he became an critic against several military and political figures in England. This however backfired, as a result, Lee was unable to advance his career as his payment didn't improve nor his chances for promotion.

Return to America
Lee returned to America in 1770, rejoining his Templar brothers. Along with Haytham, Lee instigated the Boston Massacre by firing his pistol into the air, alarming the guards and causing them to open fire against the protesting citizens.

By 1773, the colonists rebelled against the British rule and the policies imposed by the British Parliament. This led to the American Revolutionary War, beginning with the Boston Tea Party, during which the citizens dumped a large supply of British tea in defiance of the taxation laws. As a result, Johnson and Lee were unable to smuggle the tea and profit from taxation. The Boston Tea Party was also partially led by a man by the name of Connor, who, unbeknownst to them, was Ratonhnhaké:ton, the boy Lee had encountered and assaulted years ago.

Continental General
Taking advantage of the Revolution, Lee resigned from the British Army and joined the Continentals in 1775. He quickly established himself as a strong supporter of the Patriots and became a likely candidate for the position of Command-in-Chief along with George Washington. However, Lee was mostly notorious due to his demand to be well compensated, which contrasted against Washington's selfless and modest insistence for little payment. As a result, Washington was favored by the Congress to lead the Continental Army.

Lee was still promoted to the rank of General and served directly under Washington. Lee attended Washington's acceptance speech and watched with contempt and criticism. It was also at this moment that Lee met Connor, but did not recognize him and merely dismissed him as Samuel Adams' lapdog.

Assassination Plot
"Brothers. Sisters. Fellow Patriots. Several days ago we learned of a scheme so vile, so dastardly - that even repeating it now, disturbs my being. The man before you plotted to murder our much beloved General. Indeed. What darkness or madness moved him, none can say. And he himself offers no defense. Shows no remorse. And though we have begged and pleaded with him to share what he knows, he maintains a deadly silence. If the man will not explain himself - if he will not confess and atone - what other option do we have, but this? He sought to send us into the arms of the enemy. And thus, we are compelled by justice to send him from this world. May God have mercy on your soul."

- Lee addressing the public at Connor's hanging.

In 1776, Hickey was tasked to murder Washington in order for Lee to replace him and take control of the Continental Army for the Templars. Hickey failed at first as he was arrested in New York and imprisoned along with Connor for counterfeiting.

Lee and Haytham visited Hickey in Bridewell Prison, they reprimanded him for his recklessness and informed him that he could not be pardoned due the investigations against him by Benjamin Tallmadge. Upon realizing that Connor, the Assassin, was also locked up in a cell next to Hickey's, Lee formulated a new plan.

Connor was later able to steal the prison warden's key and went to kill Hickey in his cell, only to find the murdered body of the warden and was ambushed by both Hickey and Lee holding him at gunpoint. They revealed to Connor that he will be trialed and executed for the murder of the warden and attempting to assassinate Washington.

Lee justified his actions and Templars to Connor by slandering Washington, citing his poor military record and calling him unfit for leadership. Connor attempted to attack Lee, however Lee easily overpowered Connor and pinned against the wall with his arm against his throat. It was at this moment that Lee finally recognized Connor as the boy from the forest, to which Connor reminded Lee of his vow to find him. Lee then choked and rendered Connor unconscious.

Lee's plan not only framed Connor but would allow Hickey an opportunity to murder Washington who would personally attend the execution. The next day, Connor was taken to be publicly executed after Haytham and Lee were able to omit the supposed trail.

Hickey escorted Connor to the gallows, with Lee presiding to announce his crimes against Washington and the colonies and sentencing him to death. However, Connor was saved by Achilles Davenport and his Assassin recruits. In the resulting confusion, Lee escaped while Hickey made a desperate attempt to kill Washington but failed and was killed by Connor, proving Connor's innocence and starting his alliance Washington as a later result.

Retreat from New York
Lee continued serving under Washington, biding his time and secretly undermining Washington's orders and authority. Washington failed in his campaign in keeping New York for the Patriots, as a result he ordered the evacuation of his forces as the British Army retook control of the city.

Lee, however, intentionally delayed the retreat and allowed himself to be captured by the British. Lee was imprisoned, however since he formally resigned his commission in the British Army rather than deserting, Lee was treated was civility and given comfortable accommodations and fine dining. Lee took the opportunity to give the British information regarding the Continental Army, hoping it would lead to further weaken and disgrace Washington in battle.

Battle at Monmouth
"I will say it one last time - that man is your enemy and he will not stop until you are dead or dishonored."

- Connor's warning to Washington regarding Charles Lee.

Lee was released from prison and returned to Congress, where he attempted to convince them that the Continental Army was not strong enough to match the British forces. Nonetheless, Washington prepared his armies in Monmouth to stop the British Army's march from Philadelphia to New York in 1778. Washington also ordered the extermination of the Kanatahséton village, Connor's home, due to his suspicions of them allying with the British.

Lee took advantage of the situation by traveling to Kanatahséton, where he met with Kanen'tó:kon and convinced them to join the war against the Continental Army in order to protect their land. He also manipulated Kanen'tó:kon into believing that Connor had betrayed the village by allying himself with Washington.

Lee took control of Marquis de Lafayette's forces and ordered a full retreat. Lee then abandoned his post, leaving them unprepared against the advancing British Army. However, Connor arrived and intervened, during which he held off the British Army and secured the Patriots retreat, saving many lives of the Continental Army and spared Washington a devastating defeat.

Connor and Lafayette revealed Lee's treachery to Washington. As a result, Washington investigated leading to Lee's court martial for insubordinate behavior and poor command decisions. Lee was disgraced, however he was spared execution and instead temporarily suspended from duty.

Death of Haytham
"He sent me away... That day at Fort George. He feared for my safety. I should have stayed. He said there was no danger."

- Lee speaking to Connor at Haytham's funerial.

In 1781, Lee resided in Fort George in the military district of New York, under Templar control, for protection. Haytham visited Lee, encouraging him to leave and assured him that there was no danger, also giving him the Grand Temple Key for safekeeping. Unbeknownst to Lee, Connor intended to penetrate Fort George and assassinate him.

Soon after, Connor infiltrated the military district with aid of several French Ships creating a diversion. Haytham remained to confront and kill his son, however Connor prevailed in the confrontation, killing Haytham. Lee learned of this and ascended to the rank of Grand Master, in Haytham's place, over what was left of the diminishing Templar Order.

Grand Master
"He will wait. He will watch. And then - when he's seen all his life's work brought to ruin... Only then will I allow him to die."

- Lee to his guard regarding Connor.

Months later, in 1782, Lee presided over Haytham's funeral and he delivered the eulogy in honor of Haytham. Connor appeared from the crowd and approached Lee but was restrained by guards. Enraged by Connor’s constant interference of his plans and murdering of his comrades, Lee vowed revenge, promising not only to kill him, but to also murder everyone and destroy everything that Connor loved and held dear.

Connor brushed off Lee’s threats, warning him that he will fail and die with the rest of his plans. As the guards carried Connor away, Lee decided to gather an army and recuperate his power. Lee recruited the Captain of the HMS Jersey and mercenaries to assemble an army. After leaving for Boston, Lee learned that Connor had escaped, hence decided to flee and return to England for safety.

However, Connor tracked down Lee to a pier in Boston, leading to a chase. Lee attempted to lose Connor by running through a ferry under construction, during which an accident caused the ferry to set ablaze. After a dangerous chase, both Lee and Connor crashed through a collapsed plank with Connor injuring himself against a wooden pole, piercing his abdomen.

Lee approached Connor, looking down on him, mockingly asking why the Assassins fight a endless and futile cause against the Templars, to which Connor replied “Because no one else will”. Catching Lee off guard, Connor quickly raised his pistol and shot Lee in stomach.

Death
Lee escaped, took a ferry up the Charles River to Monmouth and rested at the Conestoga Inn. Connor once again followed and caught up with Lee, the two sat at a table, both wounded and bleeding. Lee silently offered and shared his drink, to which Connor accepted. Accepting his end, Lee gave Connor a slight nod, and Connor proceeded to stab Lee in the heart. After taking the amulet from round Lee’s neck, Lee fell forward against the table, finally dead.

Personality and characteristics
Charles Lee throughout most of his life was a veteran warrior and commander from years of military service in the French and Indian War and American Revolution. In his youth, Lee was dedicated, enthusiastic and keen. William Johnson commented that he was "a good lad, if a bit earnest".

All this changed as he rose through the Order's ranks to become second-in-command. Unlike his fellow Templars(with the notable exception of Hickey), Lee was far from noble and honourable, appearing instead as vengeful, impulsive, violent and slightly power-mad.

In his pursuit to gain more power, he also became ruthless, revengeful and cruel. This was evident by his strong political motivations and demand for higher pay. Furthermore his arrogance manifested into violence and contempt for others; for example he had disgust for the Kanien'kehá:ka people, calling them human refuse and he also slandered and criticized Washington with passion.

Despite his long, successful career and military prowess, Lee lacked charisma and was not leadership material. This was evident by how the Congress and Continental Army viewed him: eccentric, vulgar, slovenly in appearance and greedy. As a result, Lee constantly plotted and competed against Washington to seize his command.

However, Haytham had strong faith in Lee's ability, loyalty and understanding of the Templar vision for a New World Order.

Trivia

 * The initial render of Charles Lee prior to the game's release showed an older-looking character.
 * Charles Lee was the first major assassination target to die without any last words, neither in the memory corridor, nor at the moment of his death.
 * During the infiltration on Southgate Fort, Charles Lee was displayed with an Assassin's Insignia above his head, despite being a Templar, similar to the other co-conspirators.
 * Among the Kanien'kehá:ka, Charles Lee was also known as "Boiling Water".
 * In the Davenport Manor's Basement, Ratonhnhaké:ton's memento from killing Lee is the Grand Temple Key, despite the fact that after his death, the key is buried in Connor Davenport's grave.
 * Historically, Lee was only discharged from the Continental Army years after his retreat. On January 10, 1780 he was formally discharged and spend his remaining years reportedly verbally attacking Washington to anybody around, and as a result was frequently challenged to duels by those loyal to Washington. In a duel with Colonel John Laurens he was heavily wounded in his side but continued to duel. He retired to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he died of fever on October 7, 1782.

Reference

 * Assassin's Creed III