LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Autograph letter signed (“R. E. Lee”), as Commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, to James Longstreet, Confederate General. Camp, 28 September 1864.

1 page, 8vo, small holes just affecting a few letters, a few separations along creases, matted and framed (unexamined out of frame).

Lee writes General Longstreet in the midst of the Siege of Petersburg on the eve of the New Market Heights offensive regarding a shipment of supplies being sent from England by Major J. B. Ferguson. Lee quotes Ferguson: “Through the kindness of Mr. Andrews who leaves in the Morn direct for Richmond, I send a box containing Sundry articles for you & Gen. Longstreet, who I hope has recovered from his wound." Lee continues: "I hope you will receive your portion safely. The box I understand arrived in Richmond, was opened by Major Ferguson (brother to the one in Europe) & the articles intended for me sent to my gis? in Richmond – Yours I understand from my son Major F__ retained. Very truly yours, R. E. Lee."

The Richmond-Peterson campaign consisted of trench warfare from June 1864 through April 1865 and was a costly campaign for both sides. During the night of September 28-29, Butler's Army of the James crossed the James River to assault the Richmond defenses north of the river at dawn. Lee reinforced his lines north of the James and counterattacked unsuccessfully on September 30.

Property from the Estate of Wilder Glover Little, Marietta, Georgia