Harriet Lee was an English writer and novelist, born in London in 1757, and died near Bristol at Clifton, England, on August 1, 1851.
Her father, John Lee, was an actor and theatrical manager who died in 1781, her mother, name unknown, was also an actress.
Lee found the self-absorption in Godwin's letter distasteful, and she chastised him with a frank response.
Among her friends were the novelists Jane and Anna Maria Porter, who lived in Bristol, and Thomas Lawrence.
Allegedly, Sophia and Harriet Lee were the first to predict the future eminence of Sir Thomas Lawrence, who presented to them portraits by himself of Mrs. Siddons, John Kemble, and General Paoli.
In the preface he fully acknowledged his indebtedness to Harriet Lee's story, stating that he adopted its characters, place, and even its language.
Lee had already dramatized her story at an earlier date, under the title of The Three Strangers and on the publication of Byron's dramatic version she sent her play to the Covent Garden Theatre (November 1822); but although the piece was accepted, the performance was postponed by her own wish till 10 Dec. 1825, when it was acted four times.
The cast included James Prescott Warde, Charles Kemble, and Mrs. Chatterley.