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Richard Henry Lee joyfully frolicked towards his horse named Buddy and leaped into the saddle. He kicked Buddy's sides and he began to gallop away, terrorizing a few geese on his way out.

Johnny was going to be so proud of him, he thought, when he returned from Virginia. He could just imagine the look of John Adams' face as soon as he read the resolution. Lee reveled in delight at the thought. He had not stopped humming to himself since he departed from "Benji's" property. Though bursting into song had been an act of spontaneity, he was rather fond of his catchy little tune.

"And may my horses turn to glue if I can't deliver up to you my resolution on independency!"

And he would finally be returning home. His large, ornate mansion had been in the Lee family for several generations. Every brick that was laid on the rich, southern foundation represented a small portion of Lee's heart and the pride that sweltered within it.

"And may the British burn my land if I can't deliver to your hand a resolution on independency!"

It had been a long while since Lee had united with his dear wife, Anne. They had been married for seven years, yet it felt as though they had just left the wedding chapel. He wished that she could be with him always, but Anne had made it perfectly clear that she had absolutely NO desire to live in Philadelphia. He would never even dream of criticizing any part of sweet little Anne's personality, yet Lee felt at times as though she was rather impatient with him and his slightly perplexing mannerisms. Yet the very thought of her shimmering gray eyes caused him to grin with affection.

"And may my wife refuse my bed if I can't deliver as I said a resolution on independency!"

At times, people mistook Lee's enthusiasm and unconditional love for America's oldest colony (HIS colony) as common arrogance and pompousness. But Lee never allowed himself to be visibly hurt by the false accusations. Some believed that this was because Lee was self-confident and therefore felt no obligation to defend himself. Others, however (such as Mr. Adams), thought that Lee was far too idiotic to realize that there were people in the world who did not adore him quite as much as he adored himself.

"And may my blood stop running blue if I can't deliver up to you the resolution on independency!"

Yes. There was no doubt in Lee's mind that it was his turn to be the heroic patriot that Johnny desperately wanted, yet was far too obnoxious and disliked, to become. And with this task accomplished, Johnny would be sure to be in a good mood. Poor little man. It seemed to Lee that every time he tried to converse with him, Adams would form a pained grimace on his face and hurriedly excuse himself from Lee's company. But now he would most assuredly be pleased. Maybe Johnny would even give him a present! As long as it was not a hideous houseplant, Lee would be content, to say the least.

Lee quaked in anticipation and gave Buddy a slight tap with the reign. In his mind, he could not enter Virginia quickly enough. Maybe he would not stop by in Stratford until after his task was accomplished. Why not resolve the matter as quickly as possible? Lee and Buddy raced forward, prematurely rejoicing in their future success.

FORWARD HO!!

A WEEK OR SO LATER

Somehow, they were not successful in completing this "simple" task. Well, at least Lee was not. Buddy secretly denied having anything to do with it.

Author's note: To prevent anyone from suing me, I should probably note that I didn't actually write any of the lyrics to the song "Lees of Old Virginia." I know, I know. You're shocked.