The Dream Came True – Story of George Washington

1916

But Washington Warned "Light Horse Harry" to Dream No More

The relations that existed between General Washington and his younger friend, "Light Horse Harry" Lee — the father of General Robert E. Lee — were exceedingly close and tender. It is an authentic tradition in the Lee family that Washington regarded the brilliant young cavalry officer almost in the light of a son.

Lee was inclined to be a spendthrift and his lavish use of money often brought on him the paternal reproof of his older and more discreet friend — and the reproof was often followed by affectionate assistance in extricating him from his embarrassments.

Mrs. Washington was almost equally fond of the young officer, who often made long visits at Mount Vernon. During one of his sojourns there, Harry Lee remarked to his host at the breakfast table:

"General, I had a singular dream last night, which I must tell you. I actually dreamed that you made me a present of your Westmoreland place."

The next day, at the dinner table, Harry Lee found under his plate a document — nothing less than a deed to him of the Westmoreland estate. For some moments, dazed with astonishment, he stared at his friend.

"Now, Harry," said Washington calmly, "take good care not to dream Mount Vernon away from me!"

—Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, July 29, 1916, page 3.