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"And so we must fight on. We will vanquish our enemies. We will spread our word. And in time, my brothers and sisters, in time... we will have our New World."
―Charles Lee, speaking at Haytham Kenway's funeral, 1782.[src]

Charles Henry Lee (1731 – 1782) was a British soldier and veteran of the Seven Years' War, as well as a member of the Templar Order. After his induction into the Order, Lee took a position as Haytham Kenway's second-in-command, and it was in this role that he later joined the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War as a General.

Throughout the Revolution, Lee competed against his political rival and superior, Commander George Washington, with the ultimate aim of taking control of the Patriot leadership and handing the newly formed nation over to his Templar brothers.

Following Haytham's death in 1781, Lee briefly became the Grand Master of the Colonial Templars, until his death in 1782 at the hands of Haytham's son, the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton.

Biography

Early life

"Master Birch said I should know only as much as you saw fit to share. He sent me a list of names and bade me ensure you could find them."
―Charles Lee to Haytham Kenway, shortly after the latter's arrival in Boston, 1754.[src]-[m]

Charles Lee was born to John Lee, a prominent British Colonel, and Isabella Bunbury, the 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, he had joined his father's regiment as an ensign. Five years later, in 1751, Lee returned to England and was commissioned to the rank of lieutenant.[1]

In 1754, Lee was sent to the British colonies in America to serve under General Edward Braddock, to fight in the French and Indian War.[1] At some point, he learned of and became affiliated with the Templar Order, of which Braddock was a member, and was keen to become a fully-fledged member. In response, Lee was given instructions by Reginald Birch, the Templar leader in Great Britain, to assist Haytham Kenway in his search for the Grand Temple, believed to be a hidden First Civilization storehouse.[2]

Induction into the Templar Order

"If I am to serve the Order I can imagine no better mentor than yourself."
―Lee to Haytham, 1754.[src]-[m]
ACIII-WtB 1

Lee meeting Haytham Kenway

Upon Haytham's arrival in Boston, Lee met the Grand Master at the docks and led him to the Green Dragon Tavern, where Haytham's fellow Templar, William Johnson, was residing.[2]

After a brief conversation with Johnson, Lee and Haytham set out to meet with Thomas Hickey, who was scouting a nearby bandit compound in an attempt to retrieve some of Johnson's stolen research. The three proceeded to raid the compound and accomplished their aims.[3]

Shortly thereafter, Lee and Haytham searched for Benjamin Church, who had recently been detained by a British officer named Silas Thatcher. After searching Church's ransacked home and eavesdropping on several guards and eyewitnesses, Lee and Haytham deduced Church's location and headed to the docks, where Church was being held prisoner inside a warehouse. After Haytham managed to pickpocket a key to the warehouse from a nearby guard, he and Lee rescued Church from being tortured and brought him to the Green Dragon.[4]

Subsequently, the two went to gather their final recruit, John Pitcairn, from General Braddock's encampment at Copp's Hill Battery. However, despite Braddock also being a Templar, Lee noted that and he and Haytham were clearly at odds. Furthermore, Braddock was already angered by the fact that despite Lee was stationed under his command, the general had been forced by his superiors to let him help Haytham. These factors led to Braddock denying their request to give them Pitcairn. In a plan to retrieve Pitcairn, the two followed Braddock's entourage as they marched around Boston and ambushed them. After a brief engagement in a back alley, Haytham, Lee and Pitcairn left together.[5]

With all of the Templar recruits assembled at the Green Dragon, Haytham proposed a plan to infiltrate Southgate Fort and kill Silas Thatcher, the notorious slaver who had kidnapped Church, to gain favor with the local Kanien'kehá:ka. Haytham reasoned that by doing so, the Kanien'kehá:ka would be willing to provide information that could lead them to the Grand Temple.[6]

ACIII-InfiltratingSouthgate 5

Lee with his fellow Templars disguised as Redcoats

After ambushing a slave cart transport destined for the fort, Lee and the others disguised themselves as British Regulars and led the convoy into 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. Lee and the others then fought and distracted the garrison, fending off Silas' troops while Haytham and Church killed the slaver, allowing them to free the remaining detainees.[6]

After several weeks, Haytham decided to make contact with a Kanien'kehá:ka woman, Kaniehtí:io, who could prove to be a valuable ally in the search for the Grand Temple. 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.[7] Lee became well known among the Kanien'kehá:ka, who gave him the name Ounewaterika, meaning "Boiling Water".[8]

Months later, in July 1755, Lee returned to Lexington to aid Haytham in his plan to kill General Braddock. In doing so, Haytham hoped to win Kaniehtí:io's trust so that she would lead him to the Grand Temple. Lee assisted by taking part in Braddock's expedition. When the expedition was ambushed by the French Army, Lee fired the first shot, killing the French Commander Daniel Liénard de Beaujeu. In the ensuing chaos of the attack, Haytham chased and mortally wounded Braddock.[9]

ACIII-BraddockExpedition 18

Haytham inducting Lee into the Templar Order

Haytham returned to the Green Tavern days later, revealing that the site Kaniehtí:io had shown him contained nothing of interest and disregarding it as merely a painted cave. He then changed their goal to establishing a permanent base and to expand Templar power and influence throughout the colonies. Commending Lee for his dedication and loyalty, Haytham decided to formally induct him into the Templar Order, placing a Templar ring on his finger that had previously belonged to Braddock.[9]

A few weeks later, Lee met with Haytham to deliver a letter from Jim Holden and to confirm that Braddock had died from the injuries the Grand Master had inflicted on him. He also revealed that the other Templars intended to continue the search for the Grand Temple, but Haytham ordered them not to do so, believing that they should focus on more practical pursuits.[10]

Fighting in the French and Indian War

"You are 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 a young Ratonhnhaké:ton, 1760.[src]-[m]

Following his induction, Lee continued to serve in the British Army; he participated in several battles during the French and Indian War, such as the battles at the forts of Ticonderoga and Niagara, and the British conquest of Montreal.[1]

In 1758, following the death of Colonel George Monro at the hands of the Assassins, Lee attended the induction of Monro's replacement, the former Assassin Shay Cormac, into the Templar Order.[11]

ACIII-HideandSeek 7

Lee strangling Ratonhnhaké:ton

In November 1760, Lee and his fellow Templars, with the exception of Haytham and Pitcairn, sought to meet with the elders of the local Kanien'kehá:ka tribe in Kanatahséton as part of their continued efforts to locate the Grand Temple, despite Haytham's orders to discontinue the search.[12]

En route, Lee encountered a young boy in the forest and forcibly demanded the location of his village, unaware that the child was Ratonhnhaké:ton, Haytham's son. Instead of answering, the boy defiantly asked for Lee's name, before warning him steadfastly that he would find him. Amused, Lee mocked the boy, saying that he would look forward to it, and left after Johnson had knocked the child out with the butt of his musket.[12]

Soon after, Lee and the others gave up in their search and left. Shortly afterward, Kanatahséton was set ablaze by George Washington's forces, who suspected the villagers' allegiance to the French. After being unable to save his mother, Ratonhnhaké:ton mistakenly attributed the attack to the Templars and vowed revenge, especially against Lee.[12]

Lee returned to England in late 1760 and was promoted to the rank of Major, where he fought in several campaigns in Portugal and Poland. Despite his service, Lee was not well paid, and so became a critic of several military and political figures in England. This backfired, however, and as a result, Lee was unable to advance his career as his payment did not improve, nor his chances for promotion.[1]

Joining the Continental Army

ACIII-TriptoBoston 13

Lee instigating the Boston Massacre

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. Although he was spotted by Ratonhnhaké:ton - by now a budding Assassin - Lee was able to evade detection.[13]

By 1773, the colonists had started to rebel against British rule, en masse. Beginning with the Boston Tea Party, the colony's citizens – aided by Ratonhnhaké:ton – dumped a large supply of British tea, owned by William Johnson, into the water of Boston's port as a show of defiance towards the tax laws. As a result, the Templars' found themselves unable to smuggle the tea, cutting off one of their main sources of funding. This act was the first, of many, which would eventually lead to the outbreak of war between the British Crown and her colonies.[14]

On 12 January 1774, Lee attended a Templar meeting at the Restless Ghost tavern in Boston, where the Colonial Rite discussed how they could turn the nascent American Revolution into something to benefit their goals. It was here that Lee informed Haytham of Kaniehtí:io's death during George Washington's attack on Kanatahséton in 1760, which the Templars had collectively decided to keep hidden from their Grand Master due to their unsanctioned search for the Grand Temple. Lee also spoke of his encounter with a young Ratonhnhaké:ton, and noted the boy's resemblance to the Assassin who was now sabotaging their plans.[10]

ACIII-Conflictlooms 1

Lee at Washington's acceptance speech

In 1775, in response to the recent events, Lee resigned his commission from the British Army and joined the Continentals. He quickly established himself as a strong supporter of the Patriots and became a likely candidate for the position of Commander-in-Chief, alongside George Washington. However, Lee's demand to be well compensated, which contrasted against Washington's selfless and modest insistence for little payment, saw him fall from favor for the position. As a result, Washington was chosen by the Continental Congress to lead the Continental Army.[15]

Despite this, Lee was still promoted to the rank of General and served directly under Washington. Lee also attended Washington's acceptance speech and watched with contempt and criticism. It was at this moment that Lee met a man named Connor, in actuality the self-same child he had assaulted over a decade before, but did not recognize him and merely dismissed him as Samuel Adams' lapdog.[15]

Plotting Washington's assassination

"Your meddling in the revolution has caused us no small measure of grief. It cannot continue. Our work is too important."
―Lee to Connor, 1776.[src]-[m]
Bridewell Prison 4

Lee receiving instructions from Haytham

In 1776, the Templars tasked Thomas Hickey with the murder of Washington, in order to secure Lee the promotion to Commander-in-Chief. Unfortunately for them, Hickey was intercepted by Connor, and was soon arrested for counterfeiting and treason, alongside the Assassin.[16]

On receiving word of Hickey's shortcomings, Leeand Haytham visited him in Bridewell Prison, where 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.[17]

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. There, he was ambushed by both Hickey and Lee, who held him at gunpoint. At that moment, the two Templars revealed their plan to frame Connor for the warden's murder and the assassination plot against Washington, so that he would be tried and executed.[17]

Bridewell Prison 14

Lee choking Connor

Lee justified his and the Templars' actions to Connor by slandering Washington, citing his poor military record and calling him unfit for leadership. Connor attempted to attack Lee, but was pinned down due to exhaustion. It was at that moment that Lee finally recognized Connor as the boy from the forest, to which the Assassin reminded Lee of his vow to find him. Lee then choked and rendered Connor unconscious.[17]

The following day, the Templars implemented Lee's plan, which would not only have removed the threat of the Assassin, but also created the perfect opportunity to murder Washington, who would personally attend the execution. After Lee and Haytham were able to speed up the process by omitting Connor's trial, the Assassin was taken to be publicly hanged before the assembled crowd in New York.[18]

ACIII-Publicexecution 7

Lee addressing the crowd at Connor's hanging

Hickey escorted Connor to the gallows, with Lee presiding to announce his crimes against Washington and the colonies, before sentencing him to death. However, Connor was saved in part by Achilles Davenport and his Assassin recruits,[18] and also through the intervention of Haytham, who had recently discovered his familial link to the Assassin.[10] In the resulting confusion, Lee escaped while Hickey made a desperate attempt to kill Washington; he failed and was assassinated by Connor, proving the latter's innocence.[18]

Lee continued serving under Washington, biding his time and secretly undermining Washington's orders and authority. Washington failed in his campaign to keep New York for the Patriots, and because of this, he ordered the evacuation of his forces as the British Army retook control of the city.[1]

However, Lee intentionally delayed the retreat and allowed himself to be captured by the British.[1][19] Consequently, Lee was imprisoned, but since he formally resigned his commission in the British Army rather than deserting, Lee was treated with civility and given comfortable accommodations and fine dining. Lee then took this opportunity to give the British information regarding the Continental Army, hoping it would lead to further weaken and disgrace Washington in battle.[1]

Battle of 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, 1778.[src]-[m]

On his release from prison, Lee 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 Valley Forge to stop the British 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.[8]

Lee took advantage of this situation by traveling to Kanatahséton, where he met with Kanen'tó:kon and several others, 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.[8]

Following this, Lee took control of Marquis de Lafayette's contingency forces at Monmouth and ordered a full retreat, while abandoning his post, leaving them unprepared against the advancing British forces. However, Connor arrived in time to help hold off the British Army and secured the Patriots' retreat, saving many lives of the Continental Army and sparing Washington a devastating defeat.[20]

Prompted by Lee's behavior, 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, though he was spared execution and was instead temporarily suspended from duty.[1]

Becoming 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, 1782.[src]-[m]

By September 1781, both Haytham and Lee knew that Connor sought the latter's death. Fearing for his life, Lee resided in the Templar-controlled Fort George, in the military district of New York. Knowing that Connor could strike at any moment, Haytham visited Lee and encouraged him to leave, informing him that Connor was his son and, thus, his responsibility to deal with.[10]

Shocked by this revelation, Lee lashed out at Haytham, accusing him of creating the Assassin. The Grand Master was hurt by his words and told Lee that he was equally responsible, as it was his assault on the boy two decades prior that had resulted in Connor's vendetta against the Templars. Admitting his mistake, Lee refused to leave Haytham's side, but the latter urged him to escape so that he may continue the Order's work. Lee begrudgingly agreed, apologized to Haytham for ever doubting him, and left after being given Haytham's amulet for safekeeping.[10]

Soon after, just as Haytham had anticipated, Connor infiltrated the military district to assassinate Lee, but was only met by his father. Though neither was eager to kill the other, Connor ultimately prevailed and ended Haytham's life after a prolonged battle.[21] Lee soon learned of this and ascended to the rank of Grand Master, in Haytham's place, over what was left of the Colonial Templars.[22]

ACIII-Rest 3

Lee threatening Connor

Months later, in 1782, Lee presided over Haytham's funeral in New York and delivered an eulogy in his honor. Connor appeared from the crowd and approached Lee, though he was restrained by guards. Enraged by Connor's constant interference in his plans and the murder 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.[22]

Connor brushed off Lee's threats, warning him that he would 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. To this end, he recruited the captain of the HMS Jersey and many mercenaries to his cause. After leaving for Boston, Lee learned that Connor had escaped, to which he decided to flee and return to England for safety.[22]

Death and legacy

"Why do you persist...? You put us down. We rise again. You end one plot—we forge another. You try so hard... But it always ends the same. Those who know you think you mad and this is why... Even those men you sought to save have turned their backs on you. Yet you fight. You resist. Why?"
―Lee to Connor, 1782.[src]-[m]
ACIII-Chasinglee 13

Connor killing Lee

Connor intercepted Lee at Boston pier, leading to a chase through the dockyards. Lee attempted to lose Connor by running through a ferry under construction, during which an accident caused the ferry to catch fire. After a dangerous pursuit, both Lee and Connor crashed through a collapsed floor, with Connor impaling himself on a wooden splinter through his abdomen.[23]

Lee approached Connor, looking down on him, before asking why the Assassins fought an endless and futile cause against the Templars. After responding that he had to because no else would, Connor pulled out his pistol and, catching Lee off guard, shot him in the stomach. Though injured, the Templar managed to escape, taking a ferry up the Charles River to Monmouth, where he rested at the Last Drink tavern. [23]

Connor once again followed and caught up with him, neither in any condition to fight. Lee silently offered his drink to the Assassin, who accepted, also without saying a word. Welcoming his end, Lee gave Connor a slight nod, and the Assassin proceeded to stab him in the heart. After Connor took the amulet from around Lee's neck, the Templar fell forward against the table and finally passed away. With his death, Templar influence in North America came to an end and it would not be until decades later that the Order managed to regain a foothold on the continent.[24]

Centuries later, in 2015, the Templar Isabelle Ardant included his name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins Rebecca Crane and Shaun Hastings when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.[25]

Personality and traits

"Even though I liked him straight away, I noticed that, while he smiled when he spoke to me, he reserved a look of disdain for everybody else on the harbour."
―A description of Charles Lee in Haytham's journal.[src]

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, later, the American Revolutionary War. In his youth, Lee was dedicated, enthusiastic and keen. To this, William Johnson commented that he was "a good lad, if a bit earnest."[24]

All of this changed as he rose through the Templar Order's ranks to become Haytham's second-in-command. Though Lee appeared as noble and honorable, in reality he was impulsive, violent and aggressive. In his pursuit to take control of the colonies for the Templars, he also became ruthless, vengeful 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.[24] He had frustration for the Kanien'kehá:ka people for what he saw as being unaware of the threat the colonists posed,[12] despite the Clan Mother's,[26] Kanen'tó:kon'S, and Connor's knowledge to the contrary.[27] For this perceived failure, he considered them to be naïve and he also slandered and criticized Washington with passion.[24]

Lee's cruel and vengeful side showed in his promise to Connor to destroy him utterly; he outright stated that he would kill all Connor held dear or who were even remotely associated with him, including the innocent people who lived on the Davenport Homestead and his entire village. Despite this, after Connor had bested him, Lee seemed develop some begrudging respect for the Assassin, silently offering him his drink and embracing his death at the Assassin's blade.[24]

Despite his long, successful career and military prowess, Lee was unpopular and disfavored amongst the Patriots. This was clear by how the Congress viewed him: vulgar and slovenly in appearance and attitude, as well as 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.[24]

In spite of his many flaws, Lee also had several redeeming qualities, which mainly showed in his relationship with Haytham. Prior to joining the Templars, Lee sought to impress the Grand Master in the hopes of gaining membership within the Order. Even after achieving this goal, Lee continued to serve Haytham diligently, as he was perhaps the only person Lee genuinely respected and looked up to.[10]

After Haytham discovered that Connor was his son, Lee felt that the Grand Master's resolve had weakened and blamed the Order's downfall on his reluctance to take action against the Assassin. During their final conversation, Lee did not hesitate to voice these thoughts to Haytham, who in turn called out Lee for his reckless and violent behavior, which had resulted in Connor's vendetta against the Templars. Admitting his mistake, Lee refused to leave Haytham to die alone by the Assassin's blade, and only relented after much urging from the Grand Master. He also apologized for doubting Haytham's resolve and making him think that he was a bad Grand Master.[10]

Trivia

Assassin's Creed III
  • The initial render of Charles Lee prior to the game's release showed him as an older-looking character.
  • Charles Lee was the first major assassination target to die without sharing their final thoughts with their killer, neither in the Animus' Memory Corridor, nor at the moment of their death.
  • Among the Kanien'kehá:ka, Charles Lee was known as Ounewaterika, meaning "Boiling Water".
  • In the Davenport Manor's basement, Ratonhnhaké:ton's memento from killing Lee was the Grand Temple Key, despite the fact that after Lee's death, the key was buried in Connor Davenport's grave.
  • Concept art of Lee has appeared in-game as a portrait in two instances: one hung in Isabelle Ardant's London office, while another could be seen in the Finnegans' residence during the memory "The Color of Right".
Assassin's Creed: Rogue
  • In the memory "Scars", Lee's older character model from Ratonhnhaké:ton's adulthood is used despite it being set before "Hide and Seek" in Assassin's Creed III where he appears in his younger character model.

Behind the scenes

Charles Lee is a historical character first introduced in Assassin's Creed III, where he is voiced by American-Canadian actor Neil Napier.

Historically, Lee was only discharged from the Continental Army years after his retreat. On January 10, 1780, he was formally discharged and spent 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, Lee was heavily wounded in his side, but he continued to duel. Lee eventually retired to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he died of fever on October 2, 1782.[28]

Gallery

Appearances

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Assassin's Creed IIIDatabase: Charles Lee
  2. 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed IIIWelcome to Boston
  3. Assassin's Creed IIIJohnson's Errand
  4. Assassin's Creed IIIThe Surgeon
  5. Assassin's Creed IIIThe Soldier
  6. 6.0 6.1 Assassin's Creed IIIInfiltrating Southgate
  7. Assassin's Creed IIIUnconvinced
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Assassin's Creed IIIBroken Trust
  9. 9.0 9.1 Assassin's Creed IIIThe Braddock Expedition
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 Assassin's Creed: Forsaken
  11. Assassin's Creed: RogueScars
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 Assassin's Creed IIIHide and Seek
  13. Assassin's Creed IIIA Trip to Boston
  14. Assassin's Creed IIIThe Tea Party
  15. 15.0 15.1 Assassin's Creed IIIConflict Looms
  16. Assassin's Creed IIISomething on the Side
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Assassin's Creed IIIBridewell Prison
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 Assassin's Creed IIIPublic Execution
  19. Assassin's Creed: Nexus VRDatabase: William Barton, a daring man
  20. Assassin's Creed IIIBattle of Monmouth
  21. Assassin's Creed IIILee's Last Stand
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 Assassin's Creed IIILaid to Rest
  23. 23.0 23.1 Assassin's Creed IIIChasing Lee
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 Assassin's Creed III
  25. Assassin's Creed: SyndicateModern day
  26. Assassin's Creed IIISomething to Remember
  27. Assassin's Creed IIIFeathers and Trees
  28. Wikipedia-W-visual-balanced Charles Lee (general) on Wikipedia

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