LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

74334

R E. Lee Intimate Wartime Letter to His Wife

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
R E. Lee Intimate Wartime Letter to His Wife
<B>Robert E. Lee Intimate Wartime Letter to His Wife.</B></I> One page, 7.5” x 7”, June 25, 1862, to his wife in Richmond, Virginia. In this very private letter to his wife, Lee informs her that he will be unable to see her for a planned rendezvous. The letter reads in full: “<I>My Dear Mary, I have been on our lines on the Williamsburg road since noon - dear Mary, having finished my dinner find it near 10 P. M. with a great deal to do tonight - It is therefore impossible for me to see you. Indeed I should have to wake you up to do so. I therefore must deny myself the pleasure and hope we may merit many happy days yet. I know your prayers & well wishes are constantly with me, & my trust is that a merciful Providence may hear & answer them - Give much love to Custis & all the girls. I am very glad to learn the former is improving. God guard & preserve you all. Very best & Afft, R. E. Lee 25 June 62</B></I>”. Lee was most certainly occupied with more pressing matters on June 25, 1862. That date marked the beginning of a series of six major battles near Richmond known as the Seven Days Battles. The action commenced with the Battle of Oak Grove ending with the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. Lee was obviously in near enough proximity to his wife that regular visits were certainly possible. Lee's wife, Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, was the granddaughter of George and Martha Washington. The “<I>Custis</B></I>” referred to in the letter was Lee's son George Washington Custis Lee, a general and <I>aide-de-camp</B></I> to Confederate president Jefferson Davis. This is an exceptional intimate letter, written during a rare quiet moment as Robert E. Lee fought General George McClellan during the defense of Richmond. The letter is in fine condition, written in a strong legible hand. The letter bears evidence of old folds that do not detract in any way. There is an expert repair to a 5” portion of the top margin which does not affect the text.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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