Rare Autographs, Manuscripts, Entertainment and Sports Auction December 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/9/2021
Robert E. Lee Autograph Letter Signed, “R E Lee”, 1 p., April 16, 1867, Lexington, 7.75" x 10” (visible), to Reverend John W. Burn. Flattened mailing folds, light soiling, not examined out of frame. Verso of frame has been taped at bottom corners. Matted with an image of Lee and framed to an overall size of 22" x 16".
Lee thanks the Reverend for his donation and expresses his sympathy for his recent loss. The letter, in full, "I have rec’d your letter of the 11th last enclosing your draft for Eighty dollars for the relief of the Suffering people of the South. In its application I will endeavor to select objects worthy of the donation; & I feel assured that the blessing of God will accompany a gift dictated by benevolent motives & hallowed by pious memories. I sympathize with you deeply in the death of your noble brother & trust he has rec’d the reward of duty faithfully performed.”
Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) was an American Confederate general best known as a commander of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He led the Army of Northern Virginia from 1862 until its surrender in 1865 and earned a reputation as a skilled tactician. After the war, Lee became president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. He held that position for five years, until his death in 1870. Lee, along with much of his family, is buried in the Lee Chapel on the college’s campus. His beloved horse, Traveller, is buried outside, at the wall of Lee Chapel.
Robert E. Lee ALS, “Suffering people of the South … blessing of God”
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