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Lot #306
Robert E. Lee

General Lee on a Gettysburg battlefield memorial: "I think it wiser moreover not to keep open the sores of war, but to follow the examples of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of Civil strife"

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Estimate: $3000+
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Description

General Lee on a Gettysburg battlefield memorial: "I think it wiser moreover not to keep open the sores of war, but to follow the examples of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of Civil strife"

Partial handwritten letter by Robert E. Lee, unsigned (the conclusion clipped off), one page, 7.5 x 7.75, August 5, 1869. Letter written from Lexington, Virginia, concerning a proposed Gettysburg memorial, in full: "Absence from Lexington has prevented my receiving until today your letter of the 26th ulto: enclosing an invitation from the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to attend a meeting of the officers engaged in that battle at Gettysburg, for the purpose of marking upon the ground by enduring memorials of granite the position & movements of the Armies on the field. My engagements will not permit me to be present, & I believe if there I could not add anything material to the information existing on the Subject. I think it wiser moreover not to keep open the sores of war, but to follow the examples of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of Civil strife & to commit to oblivion the feelings it engendered." Annotated along the left edge by his eldest son and executor, George Washington Custis Lee: "The handwriting of Genl. R. E. Lee, G. W. C. Lee, Ex'r." In fine condition, with toning to the corners, a short tear to the left edge, and a trimmed bottom edge.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #537 - Ended October 10, 2018





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