Description:

Lee Robert 1807 - 1870 Important Robert E. Lee ALS ordering guns for the frontier
IMPORTANT ROBERT E. LEE AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ORDERING GUNS FOR USE ON THE TEXAS FRONTIER. "My wish was to procure a convenient and serviceable arm, not only for myself, but as a model of the kind of gun desirable on the frontier for other officers... "


Autograph letter signed, 2 pages, 8" X 10", on lightly lined paper stock, San Antonio, Texas, Oct 12, 1857, to Henry Leman, gun manufacture at Lancaster, Pa. An important letter, quoted in full, "Sir. I have received your letter of the 22nd Ulto. I regretthe difficulty you mention of accommodating the rifle shot barrels to the same stock. My object was to get a good double barreled shot gun, with separate rifle barrels adjust to the same stock, to avoid unnecessary transportation, whichis a matter of importance m the frontier. This was the kind of arm ordered as I understood, by Captain Marcy. It was the kind he showed me in his possession, though I believe he said one pair of barrels, the shot perhaps was made subsequently to the order. Both barrels, stock & all the equipment's setted in one boss & either barrel could be used as desired. I have the rifle distinct from the shot gun & do not desire another. Unless therefore you can combine the two satisfactorily to yourself and Mr. Coleman, I would prefer your not sending it. My wish was procure a convenient and serviceable arm, not only for myself, but as a model of the kind of gun desirable on the frontier for other officers, who might likewise wish to provide themselves with the same. But I do not wish you to make one that does not please you, or that may not reflect credit on your highly esteemed manufactory. I understand from captain Marcy that you had either made such a gun for Mr. Coleman, or that he had one made elsewhere. I must refer you to him for directions as he was kind enough to give the order. Very respectively you obdt servant, R.E. Lee" Lee was at this time Lt. Colonial in the U.S. Army, assigned to the Texas frontier, from where this letter was written. He remained there close to the Civil War. The Captain Marcy refereed to was Randolph B. Marcy, later a Union General. The letter is in very fine condition, with the integral address leaf in Lee's hand with a 3cent stamp and postal markings.

From the Robert Batchelder collection. (priced by him at $12,000)

Provenance:

This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago, in addition to his inventory folder containing his handwritten notes. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important societal memberships, examples worthy of noting include an honorary member of the Society Cincinnati, a member of the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's foundation.

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June 14, 2017 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000