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Robert E. Lee: Autograph Letter Signed...
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Description
Robert E. Lee: Autograph Letter Signed "R E Lee". Two pages with integral address sheet, 7.75" x 9.75", Baltimore, August 10, 1850, to Major William D. Fraser of the Army Corps of Engineers in New York. By 1850, Lee had distinguished himself in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and was stationed at Fort Carroll in Baltimore Harbor, where this letter was written.Lee writes: "My dear Major, What a heathen and turk this new 3rd Auditor must be, to disturb a gentleman's long quiet in so unceremonious matter [sic]. I wish I could enlighten you as to Kingsbury's whereabouts. He remained with me until I left Mexico, and we parted at Vera Cruz. He now considers himself a Citizen of Texas, and owns some property there, where he intended to return after leaving me. I rec'd a letter from him, the winter after we parted, dated Brownsville, asking for some situation with the Mexi Boundary Commissioners, that were then about being off to run the boundary between Mexi and U.S. and negotiated a place for him with Major...who went out at that time as the Astronomer of the expedition. I have heard nothing of him since, and know not whether he ever joined...as he was required to do, or what has become of him. If he is necessary to you, you had better write to Major Chapman at Brownsville who may give you some information of him, or to some officer at San Antonio. I have seen some account of an examination he made of a portion of the Rio Grande River, with a view of its navigation to the Falls, by direction of some of our Commanders in Texas, and perhaps he is still there. I wish I could give you more certain information. Wishing you every success I remain Best luck R E Lee".
The document is housed in a custom, archival presentation case: the exterior features a leather-bound spine, with gold lettering and decorations, and marbled boards; the interior is acid-free board bound in grey cloth, and including a 5.5" x 7.5" etching of Lee. The letter is in fine condition with folds and minor yellowing. The address sheet contains remnants of red sealing wax and the August 10 Baltimore postmark is also visible.
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