Lot 905
Pickett, George E (1825-75) Confederate general immortalized in "Pickett's Charge" on the third day at Gettysburg, where his men where overwhelmingly defeated. Autograph letter signed ("George") in pencil, with his full signature in the addressee's name, "Mrs. George E. Pickett," 3pp (two separate sheets, recto/verso). 6 x 4 in., n.p., c. 1864-1865. The 39-year-old general writes a second love letter to his third wife, 16-year-old wife, Sallie, even though he has just given one to his slave to bring to her. In part, "I wrote my darling by Jackerie [slave] but as Charlie is on point of starting, I could not forego the opportunity of saying to my Sallie how I do want to see her, bless her – I want to kiss her so much. Darling must try and not overwork herself – not mind little George too much or I shall get very very jealous. Speaking of that there are three ladies sitting on a porch looking at me…I don't want to look at any one but Sallie. She is the darling of my heart. She is my Chulita vida mia. Bye Bye sweet precious one – Ever your own George." The letter is addressed on the verso of the third page by Pickett to: "Mrs. George E. Pickett/Richmond" and is noted in the lower left that it was being carried by "Maj Pickett," his younger brother, Major Charles F. Pickett (Charlie). Some of the text is very light; a few words seem to have been erased. There is soiling and some chipping at the edges. Overall, in good condition. In 1912, Sallie Pickett published many of the letters George wrote her in "The Love Letters of a Confederate General." They were first published anonymously in issues of the "Pictorial Review."
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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