This authentic and outstanding R. E. Lee letter, dated April 16, 1864, to Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, is from the collection of the late Dr. Harry J. Warthen, Jr.  Dr. Warthen had the distinction of being the last Surgeon General of the United Confederate Veterans.  The letter is entirely in General Lee’s own handwriting and is unusual and considered rare because most of his wartime letters were dictated to, and written by, his staff, and only signed by Lee. The content of the letter is historically significant because it addresses strategic logistical issues concerning problems that Stuart was having keeping his cavalry mounts fed.  Gen. Stuart died less than a month later. 

The content of the letter is taken from the book "The Wartime Letters of R.E. Lee" edited by Clifford Dowdey and Louis H Manarin.  This book was published by Little, Brown and Company and is the letter is listed as letter number 662 and is copied below.

"General:
        I have just conversed with Col Corley in reference to Rosser.  He says he can get no grain in Albemarle that he is aware of.  If located there, his horses will be grazed in all the meadows & thus shorten our crop of hay next year.  He wishes to keep all hay grounds intact during the summer.  If he is obliged to be furnished with grain by railroad he prefers him to be within reach of Gordonsville or Orange Court House.  Is there no place on the Rapidan, or within the fork that he can procure grass?

                                                                                                        Very resply

                                                                                                                  R. E. Lee
                                                                                                                     Genl"


 The condition of the document is considered very good. The content is legible with the exception of the top half of the word "with" and all of "Col" where there is a 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch portion of the paper missing in the right hand corner.  At the bottom there is also a 1 x 1 1/2 inch blank portion missing.  It does have the usual crease lines and some minor stains. The letter is professionally framed and matted in an attractive frame suitable for display.  That portion of the letter visible in the frame measures approximately 7 3/4 x 9 5/8 inches.  The frame measures 17 1/2 x 20 3/4 inches.   Price on request.   Serious inquiries only.  Ordering Information  or  Questions?  SALE PENDING

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