SIGNED ROBERT E. LEE LETTER WRITTEN IN HIS OWN HAND.

SIGNED ROBERT E. LEE LETTER WRITTEN IN HIS OWN HAND. Dated 29 June 1870, this letter was written by Lee to Major Sidney Herbert, editor of an Alabama newspaper who had informed him of charges made in a Harper’s Weekly taking that General Lee had dishonored himself by taking advantage of his relationship with Gen. Winfield Scott to learn of his plans and strategies before resigning his own commission to join the Confederacy. Lee wrote “Though it is difficult to learn the truth, the facts in the charge cited, might I think have been easily ascertained, inasmuch as I never belonged to the military familly of Genl. Scott, or served near his person except when in Mexico, when I was attached to the Genl. Staff of the army in that country.” This letter is a wonderful insight into the character and gentlemanly poise of Robert E. Lee. It must be remembered that with horrendous loss of life on both sides during the Civil War, and with the polarizing popular issues of slavery vs. abolitionism and union vs. state’s rights, the motives and integrity of the war’s primary characters were constantly called into question by activists on both sides, and even Lee, who had the respect of so many of the North’s military and political leaders, was not immune. CONDITION: 9” x 7-1/2” paper with light blue ruling, laid down on fine silk. Folded in half horizontally, then vertically in thirds. Missing lower left corner, with some scattered light staining and repairs in blank areas at top and bottom. 4-50202 (8,500-10,500)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2003

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	525A.	$10,925.00	SIGNED ROBERT E. LEE LETTER WRITTEN IN HIS OWN HAND. Dated 29 June 1870, this letter was written by Lee to Major Sidney Herbert, editor of an Alabama newspaper who had informed him of charges made in a Harper’s Weekly taking that General Lee had dishonored himself by taking advantage of his relationship with Gen. Winfield Scott to learn of his plans and strategies before resigning his own commission to join the Confederacy. Lee wrote “Though it is difficult to learn the truth, the facts in the charge cited, might I think have been easily ascertained, inasmuch as I never belonged to the military familly of Genl. Scott, or served near his person except when in Mexico, when I was attached to the Genl. Staff of the army in that country.” This letter is a wonderful insight into the character and gentlemanly poise of Robert E. Lee. It must be remembered that with horrendous loss of life on both sides during the Civil War, and with the polarizing popular issues of slavery vs. abolitionism and union vs. state’s rights, the motives and integrity of the war’s primary characters were constantly called into question by activists on both sides, and even Lee, who had the respect of so many of the North’s military and political leaders, was not immune. CONDITION: 9” x 7-1/2” paper with light blue ruling, laid down on fine silk. Folded in half horizontally, then vertically in thirds. Missing lower left corner, with some scattered light staining and repairs in blank areas at top and bottom. 4-50202 (8,500-10,500) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2003 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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