Description:

FITZHUGH LEE
(1835 - 1905) Confederate major general and nephew of Robert E. Lee who directed troops in Stuart's ride around McClellan and fought at Antietam and Gettysburg. He also cut his way out of Appomattox only to surrender two days later. Fine content A.L.S. ‘Fitz Lee', 2pp. 4to., [Alexandria], Dec. 17, 1844 on letterhead of the Spring Bank to Gen. P. T. Beauregard in which Lee chastises his old comrade for his treatment of Gen. Richard Ewell in an article he wrote for ‘The Century' magazine. In part: ‘…If you will read Gen. Ewell's report on the operations of the Brigade on the 21st July 1861 & which is to be found on page 536…of the ‘Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies', you will see that your recent paper in the ‘Century' does him great injustice…I was on the staff as his A. A. G. & I cannot see that he could have acted different. The only order he received was to hold himself ‘in readiness to attack at a moment's notice'. Had he crossed the River under that order and made a successful attack all would have been well – but had said attack been unsuccessful with the breach of security threatening your right flank, his official head would have been cut off. As soon as I brought him a copy of this order…I can testify he put his Brigade without delay, at once in motion to cross the River. So read the Generals official report written 3 days after the battle, then refer to what you have said on page 95 and 102 in the November ‘Century' & I think you will agree with me…'. Condition issues such as fold splits at margin and a square of dark offsetting to verso. Just good. Offered with the concluding portion of an A.L.S. signed ‘Fitzhugh Lee' 1p. oblong 8vo., [n.p., n.d.] regarding the ‘Alexandria Gazette'. Two pieces.

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September 10, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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