American Historical Ephemera & Photography

1 page, 8vo, with envelope and calling card. 

SARA CHILDRESS POLK WRITES ROBERT E. LEE REGARDING THE TRANSMITTAL OF GEORGE WASHINGTON'S WATCH

"I take pleasure in transmitting to Genl. Lee the watch said to have been owned by Genl. Washington, and which fell into my possession on the death of Maj. W. H. Polk. Through Genl. Bushrod Johnson's kind attention to its transmission I can but feel it will reach you safely." Robert E. Lee's wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee, was the great grand-daughter of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, wife of George Washington.  

Accompanying envelope addressed in Mrs. Polk's handwriting: "Genl. R.E.  Lee, Lexington, Va." Envelope also inscribed in Robert E. Lee's handwriting: "Miss Luisa Washington written to make inquiries &c 4 Nov '67." Also in Lee's handwriting in pencil across the envelope: "Mrs. Polk sends watch." Mrs. Polk's calling card is pencil inscribed in her handwriting, "Genl. Lee." 

[With:] JOHNSON, Bushrod Rust (1817-1880).  Autograph letter signed ("Bushrod R. Johnson"), to Robert E. LEE. Nashville, 12 October 1867   1 1/2 pages, with original envelope. Regarding the transmittal of the watch, in part: "By request of Mrs. James K. Polk I have packed in a small box the watch said to have belonged to General George Washington."-- POLK, Mrs. William Hawkins. Autograph note signed. Columbia, TN, n.d. In full: "This package contains the watch of Genl. Geo. Washington President of the United States, captured & given to Maj. William H. Polk & by his request to be returned to the Washington family whenever a safe opportunity is offered. I have left it in the care of Mrs. James K. Polk of Nashville Tennessee." A fine archive of correspondence recording the transmittal of George Washington's pocket watch to Robert E. Lee, accompanied by 5 silver gelatin photographs of the pocket watch.  (Please note the watch is not included in the lot.)