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Robert E. Lee Autograph Letter Signed . ...
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Description
Robert E. Lee designs fortifications for Battery Hudson
Robert E. Lee Autograph Letter Signed"R E Lee." Two pages with integral address cover, the letter is displayed open and measures 15.5" x 10" (sight); Fort Hamilton, New York; April 16, 1842. Lee writes to Captain G. W. Cullum, Corps of Engineers, discussing arrangements for construction at Battery Hudson and includes a small engineering drawing. He writes, in part: "...I shall require at Battery Hudson, Staten Isl. thirteen Sets of Barbette traverse, pintle Stones &c of the dimensions & pattern furnished by the Dept: _ have thought it possible they might be delivered by your Contractor to his advantage & the interest of the U.S. If he can furnish them without interfering with your work will you do me the favor to inquire at what hire & at what time he can deliver them to Staten Isl? There is a private wharf about half a mile above Fort Richmond (which you may recollect is Situated on the beach) which we have made use of for Similar purposes & where we would receive them. It is not with the rigging of the vessel. Any assistance in men we would furnish. Let the time be as short as possible. The distance between the pintle centers I s18 feet. Consequently the traverses of these Situate on the Straight face would intersect thus [drawing] which intersection I should like to have in one piece..." There are filing notations to the central horizontal panel of the second page of the letter.
Lee arrived in New York in 1841 and was assigned to make repairs and improvements at Forts Hamilton and Lafayette. Soon after, he was tasked to take over Batteries Hudson and Morton, which were previously under the control of Staten Island. In his biography of Lee, Douglas S. Freeman makes note that Lee believed Battery Hudson critical to the defense of New York Harbor. Lee had recommended the extension of the Battery and the addition of guns. The War Department had agreed to the extension and approved 13 guns. In the letter offered here, Lee makes arrangements for the purchase and delivery of the materials needed for the addition of those fortifications.
The letter is matted and framed with a print of Lee and plaques containing a transcript of the letter as well as biographical and contextual information to the overall size of 43" x 22.5". The letter has been hinge-mounted to allow both sides to be viewed. It has not been examined out of the frame.
Condition: There are tiny separations and small chips along the central integral fold. Light toning, with a bit of soiling along the folds of the second page.
Reference: R. E. Lee: A Biography, by Douglas Southall Freeman.
Auction Info
2024 June 10 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6291 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
10th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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