The papers consist of forty-three letters written to Lee by Rear-Admiral Sir John Ross (1777-1856) and some papers, mainly printed, relating to the organization of the Felix expedition of 1850 to 1851 in search of Sir John Franklin (q.v.). The earlier letters refer to this voyage, which was unsuccessful in finding Franklin. The later letters contain many references to Ross's participation in scientific societies, and in particular to the British Association for the Advancement of Science. There are critical comments on the official expeditions searching for Franklin. The letters also deal with the translation and publication in 1856 of a Memoir of the Russian circumnavigator Admiral Krusenstern (1770-1846). There are many references to events in and around Ross's home town of Stranraer. There are further papers relating to Lee in the Hartwell Collection in the Buckinghamshire Record Office.

Administrative / biographical background
Born John Fiott, brother of William Edward Fiott (q.v.), Lee changed his name on inheriting property from his mother's family. In 1827 he also inherited the estate of Hartwell in Buckinghamshire. Lee was keenly interested in science and antiquities and was an active member of the Temperance Movement. The collection was used by E.S. Dodge, The Polar Roses (London, 1973).