The Lee Family Papers consists chiefly of the personal papers of Henry Lee (1782-1867), a prosperous India merchant, free trade economist, and publicist. There are also the papers of his wife, Mary Jackson Lee, and other members of her family.

Scholars of American history will find material on matters ranging from the military, politics, and historic preservation, to Lee family genealogical materials. Of special interest is the considerable information on mercantile business practices in the world during the century 1760-1860, specifically on the Chinese, Indian, European, South American, and West Indian trades.