Description:

Lee Robert 1807 - 1870 Robert E Lee early Civil War ANS, in response to James Mason's request

DURING THE VERY EARLY DAYS OF THE CIVIL WAR ROBERT E. LEE WAS URGENTLY MOBILIZING AN ARMY. IN THIS AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED, PENNED IN MAY, 1861 HE RESPONDS TO THE REQUEST FROM PROMINENT CONFEDERATE POLITICIAN JAMES MURRAY MASON TO HAVE HIS SON-IN-LAW APPOINTED QUARTERMASTER AT HARPER'S FERRY

Autograph Note Signed as Commander of Virginia forces, on the reverse of the final page of a Letter Signed to him from the important Confederate diplomat James Murray Mason at Winchester, Va., dated May 7, 1861. Lee's rather lengthy notes reads:

"Respy referred to the Govr & council -- Mr Amblers case might be considered as coming within the provision of the ordinance on the subject -- Mr Ambler occupied a responsible office under the Govt: at Washinton. RE Lee."

James Mason had a long and distinguished record in national politics by this time; in the Senate he served for ten years as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and was in the Senate until Virginia seceded. He was also a prominent and longtime southern rights advocate. On April 17 the Virginia State Convention had voted for secession, virtually removing the state from the Union. Later in 1861 he was appointed to the potentially important diplomatic position of Confederate Commissioner to Great Britain; while en route there the U.S. Navy captured his ship and took Mason prisoner. The diplomatic repercussions of this incident almost caused a war between Great Britain and the United States. Mason's letter concerns his son-in-law, John Ambler, who had worked for the U.s. Navy dept. in Washington before Virginia's secession. After that he worked for the Confederacy as Acting Quartermaster at Harper's Ferry. Mason, praising his son-in-law's many excellent qualities and experience, writes to ask that Ambler receive a "proper appointment" so that he may remain in his post. This dates from early in the war when Lee was involved in recruiting military personnel. He had made the difficult decision to resign from the U.S. Army on April 20, and three days later he was named commander of Virginia's forces. In that position he made " ... an extraordinary record in fortifying the rivers and mobilizing the volunteers ... " as Douglas S Freeman writes in the Dictionary of American Biography. The second leaf of the letter is inlaid. Choice, very fine condition. An excellent and quite scarce Lee item during the early wartime mobilization period. From the Robert Batchelder collection. (priced by him at $10,500)

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 sociÕ©tal 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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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