Lot 382
Lee, Robert E. Autograph Letter Signed "R.E. Lee," 3¼ pp, 10"x7¾", Camp near Parras, 1846 Dec. 9. Fine; one easily-repaired fold tear on page 3/address panel. To Lee's friend and colleague, Major R. Delafield, in the Corp of Engineers in New York. In part: "…I am much obliged to you for…the trouble you took concerning my horses…We reached here on the 4th Inst…The troops suffered considerable for the want of water….Our route laid through the mountains…frequently through difficult passes…On our arrival here the authorities of Parras waited on Genl Wool & offered him peaceable possession of the town….Parras…contains about 8000 Inhabitants….The ladies visit camp in their…Real English glass coaches…with fat sleek mules…." He describes the wealth of the town, the 20-course dinner for Gen. Wool, the wine, the silverware, the agreeable ladies, and gives a great deal of information about the hacienda of their host. He discusses the abandoned Chihuahua expedition and a rumor that the campaign has been changed. "I presume the reason is that we are too weak to advance further in the county, without being suppd. The reserve troops now in the U.S. ought to be here to support us, but the Pres. has no funds to send them till furnished by Cong. …We learn from Good Authority that Santa Anna has with him at San Luis over 30,000 Infty….Santa A. is drilling his men night & day & has informed his Govt: that if he is not attacked by the Americans by the 15 Inst: He will be ready to move against them…." Santa Anna was known and hated by Americans as the villain in Texas' fight for independence. Excellent content.
Estimated Value $9,500 - 11,500.
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| Realized $10,350 |
