Lot 384
Lee, Robert E. Autograph Letter Signed "R.E. Lee" and P.S. signed "REL," 2pp (one sheet), 10"x7¾", Lexington, Va, 1865 Nov 1. Fine. To "My dear Col," regarding furniture for the Lee's home in Lexington, where Gen. Lee was president of Washington College (later renamed Washington and Lee University). The Lee estate at Arlington had been confiscated by Union troops during the war. After Lee's death, the courts ruled that the estate had been illegally seized and that it should be returned to Lee's son. He accepted an offer by the government to buy the land outright. It is now part of Arlington National Cementery.
Gen. Lee gives details of his ideas on furniture price, color, and matching, but his chief concern is cost. In part: "…I am much obliged to you for your full account of the furniture. The difficulty with me is not that it is not handsome enough, but I fear it is too handsome for my present Condition, judging from the price…." He states that prices are double what he had supposed, and adds, "The parlour set at $500 is surely handsome enough….For the dining room, I shall have to dispense with the buffet….about the chairs…I desired them cane bottom, you can dispense with the stuffed arm chairs for the dining room. The bed room furniture I think you might also get plainer….The $208 set I should think handsome enough….dispense with the French plate glass and the marble tops….I have furniture for Mrs. Lee's room….you and Mrs. Buckner can decide….I do not want furniture too handsome or costly for my position or condition but wish it good and genteel. Neither do I think right to spend too much money on furniture now…."
Part of General Lee's legend is based on the fact that he maintained his integrity by turning down offers after the war that would have made him wealthy.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $5,750 |
