Mary Digges Lee (1745-1805) of Anne Arundel County was the wife of Maryland Federalist Governor Thomas Sim Lee. In 1779 George Washington appealed to Governor Lee for help to provide as many war materials as possible to faltering and destitute troops.

Mrs. Lee rallied Maryland women to give money and materials, including linen and uniform shirts for the troops and to help the war effort in any way possible. It is claimed that her efforts, along with those put forth by other states, raised the troops’ morale and enabled them to continue fighting. Her actions exemplified those of ingenious women during the war.

Submitted by: Maryland Women’s Heritage Center