Description:

Lee Robert

Robert E. Lee, Confederate Commander in Chief. Letter signed, 1 1/4 pages, 8" x 10", Head Quarters Military Academy, West Point, March 19, 1853 to Adjutant General Samuel Cooper, concerning accounts at West Point.

"Your letter of the 11th instant returning a second time for correction the Post Fund account current of West Point for the four months ending Dec. 31, 1852 has been referred to the Council of Administration. The item $5.50 paid private Bitterman (taken) for commutation of whisky rations from the 15th of March to the 31st of August, 1852 has been ordered to be refunded, and will be carried to the credit of the Post Fund. The Post Treasurer has been directed to take charge of the library books, purchased under the resolves of the Council. For many years the Post Fund at the Station has derived no revenue from the rations & flour issued to the troops. The Post Treasurer has, however, been instructed to issue hereafter 18 ounces of bread only."

Very fine, signed as "Captain Corps Engrs. & Bvt. Col. Comdg. Post. " Lee had served in the Mexican War and was promoted for gallantry to the rank of brevet colonel, and put 1n charge of fortifications at Fort Carroll, Maryland. In 1852 he was made Superintendent at West Point. He had good rapport with the cadets, and made beneficial changes at the Academy. Samuel Cooper was the ranking Confederate general throughout the Civil War. Letters of Lee from his brief period as West Point Superintendent are uncommon.

From the Robert Batchelder collection. (priced by him at $6500)

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of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago. 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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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