Lot 1063
Lee, Robert E (1807-1870) Legendary Confederate general who was formerly a U.S. army officer, engineer, and Superintendent of West Point Military Academy. ALS ("R E Lee") and postscript signed ("R E L"), 2pp (1sheet recto/verso), 9¼" x 7¾", Lexington, VA, 1869 June 18. To Col. Charles Marshall, a friend and staff office, about Confederate troop strength at 2nd Manasses (August 29-30, 1862):
"My dear Colonel I have been unable until tonight to reply to your letter of the 9th Inst; owing to being engaged in the examinations now progressing. Upon referrng to White's statement made after the cessation of hostilities he gives the number of our troops at the 2nd Manassas as follows, 'Jacksons Divn. 17,000 Infy 38,000 / Longstreets [Division] 15,000 Cavy 5,000 / Andersons Divn. 6,000 Arty 4,000.'
Col: Taylor in the 91st Arty…gives his estimate--'2nd Manassas'/ 'Infy 37,500 / Cavy 6,000 / Arty 4,000 [Total] 46,500.''
You know that all our records returns &c were destroyed. Unless you can get access to the returns which are said to be in Washington the exact facts cannot be known. I have more reliance upon Whites & Taylors memories than my own. Genl Porter wrote to me in 1867 in reference to our position movements at Manassas to which I replied. I have not time to repeat what I said in my letter…"
Lee adds a four-line postscript: "You will of course keep the information I give you to yourself. Col: Allan Jackson, ordnance officer, thinks his command could not have reached 20,000. Let me know if you receive this."
Estimated Value $16,000 - 20,000.
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| Realized $13,800 |
