Civil War–dated LS signed “R. E. Lee, Genl,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, March 24, 1862. Confidential letter to Brigadier General Roswell Sabine Ripley. In full: “The object of this letter is to inquire whether there is a man in Charleston by the name of ‘Saville’—an Englishman. Should you know of such a person, please report the fact at once, stating his occupation & character.” Intersecting folds (a few partial reparations tape-repaired to reverse), a couple small edge tears, and a few unobtrusive stains, otherwise fine condition.
Shortly after sending this letter, Lee found the man he was looking for—George Saville—and ordered him to be arrested as a spy and imprisoned. James Magee became acting British consul at Mobile, Alabama, shortly after the war began, but his first known contact with Confederate authorities came in June 1862, when he inquired about the imprisoned Saville. The 1911 book The British Consuls in the Confederacy relates that Magee 'telegraphed General Lee requesting the release of George Saville, a British subject imprisoned by the General's orders. The [Confederate] State Department replied to this telegram and informed him that Saville was arrested as a spy, with abundant evidence against him; he could not be paroled, nor could he be tried until the enemy was driven from the vicinity.' Little other record of Saville exists, leaving this mysterious wartime letter filled with international intrigue. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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