Unusually early ALS signed “R. E. Lee, Bt. 2nd Lieut. U.S. Enges., A.A.C. of Subsistence,” one page, 7.5 x 9, June 1, 1830. Written from Cock Spur Island, a brief letter to General George Gibson, the Commissary General of Subsistence, in full: "I have the honour herewith to send the Return of Abstract for the Month of May." Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 14.5. In fine condition, with a light diagonal crease in the upper blank area. On August 11, 1829, Lee received his first official orders as a military engineer from Brig. Gen. Charles Gratiot, Chief of Engineers, that he must 'by the middle of November next, report to Maj. Samuel Babcock of the corps of Engineers for duty at Cockspur Island, in the Savannah River Ga.' The plan was to build a fort, eventually to become Fort Pulaski, on the marshy island that would command the outlet of the Savannah River. From 1829-1831, Lee was involved in the early stages of construction, helping build a series of dikes that produced a protective moat intended to keep the fort and island dry. Penned in his hand at the age of 23, this is the earliest letter from Lee that we have offered.
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