Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, thousands of foreigners rushed to join both sides of the conflict. Some were genuinely dedicated to cause of either the North or South while others were simply mercenaries, hiring themselves out to the highest bidder. Still others were men claiming to be experts in warfare, fully expected to be directly commissioned into leadership roles. Unfortunately many of the later were frauds and pretenders and this unique display captures Confederate General Robert E. Lee discussing an interaction with just such a man. Dated October 14, 1862, the four page two sided hand written letter to Secretary of War George W. Randolph describes a meeting Lee had with a supposed British Royal Navy officer named Edenborough. The Confederate General stresses how he rejected the man out of hand due to his dishonesty in claiming to be a Royal Navy man when he was intact serving with the less prestigious English East India Navy. The 4 3/4" x 8" pages show light toning with a vertical crease, minor separation at the fold intersections. Lee's signature of "R E Lee" is bold and clear. The pages have been mounted together with an engraved plaque transcribing the letter along with a 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" black and white full length portrait of Lee in his Confederate uniform. A superb early war piece clearly illustrating how much value Lee placed on honesty even in a time of need. All the pieces have been professionally matted and ornately framed to 18" x 36". A PSA/DNA loa accompanies this item.