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Robert E. Lee Letter Signed ...
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Description
Late in the War Lee still remains hopeful: "I hope he will continue to annoy the enemy as long as it is practicable in W. Virginia; It is important that this region should not relapse into subjection to the Federal rule"
Robert E. Lee Letter Signed "R. E. Lee." One page, 8"
x 10.25", "Head Quarters, Army of Virginia"; November 29,
1864. A letter from General Robert E. Lee to Major General John C.
Breckinridge, in which Lee congratulates Breckinridge on his recent
victory at the Battle of Bulls Gap in Tennessee and shows that he
is still hopeful of Confederate victory this late in the war: "I
congratulate you and the gallant officers and men of your command
on the signal victory which you obtained on the 13th inst. - I hope
you have been enabled to push Gillem into Knoxville - & that you
may be able from the resources laid open to us by your energetic
operations to obtain considerable supplies - I have received Col.
Witcher's report of his Capture of the Steamers and military stores
on the Big Sandy on the 5th instant. He deserves great credit for
his skill & boldness - I hope he will continue to annoy the enemy
as long as it is practicable in W. Virginia - It is important that
this region should not relapse into subjection to the Federal rule
and we ought to be able to bring out constantly from thence both
supplies & recruits..." A significant letter from Lee showing
his continued determination in the wake of President Lincoln's
reelection and major Union victories at Mobile Bay and Atlanta.In November 1864, Breckinridge undertook an expedition into East Tennessee from Virginia to secure the countryside for food and forage and to drive Union troops from the area. A Union force under the command of Brigadier General Alvan C. Gillem (1830-1875) had advanced beyond Greeneville, but retreated in front of the larger Confederate force moving out of Jonesborough toward Greeneville. To protect the rail lines to Knoxville, Gillem's forces fell back to Bulls Gap on the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad. The evening of November 13, short of ammunition and rations, Gillem withdrew his army from Bulls Gap. The next day, Breckinridge's forces routed Gillem's army at Russellville.
John C. Breckinridge (1821-1875) was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and represented that state in both house of Congress as a Democrat before he was elected Vice President of the United States, serving in that capacity under President James Buchanan. He ran for president in 1860, representing the Southern wing of the Democratic Party. After the outbreak of the Civil War, Breckinridge joined the Confederate army and later served the Confederate government as secretary of war under Jefferson Davis. The Colonel Witcher referred to in Lee's letter is Vincent A. "Clawhammer" Witcher (1837-1912).
Condition: Letter has been silked. Tiny clips to the corners. Docketed on verso. Large and bold signature by Lee.
Auction Info
2020 November 12 Historical Manuscripts Signature Auction - Dallas #6228 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2020
12th
Thursday
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