LOT #30274 |
Sold on Oct 25, 2007 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Robert E. Lee: Autograph Letter Signed...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Sold on Oct 25, 2007 for:
$5,078.75
Bid Source: Live: Phone bidder
Get one of these:
Explore Available Items
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.
Auction Info
2007 October Grand Format Rare Books & Manuscripts Auction #675 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2007
25th-26th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 667
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms