[AUTOGRAPH LETTER, SIGNED, FROM ROBERT E. LEE TO WILLIAM H. KIRKER REGARDING THE RECEIPT OF TARLETON'S HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION].
Lee, Robert E.:
Lexington, Va. March 26, 1869. [1]p. on ruled paper, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches. One horizontal and two vertical folds. Two small sets of staple holes at left edge, else fine. In a half morocco and cloth box. A very nice letter, entirely in Robert E. Lee's hand and signed by him, demonstrating his abiding interest in military history and in books. He writes William H. Kirker: "I am very much obliged to you for the copy of Tarleton's History of the Campaigns of 1780-81 in the South which you have been so kind as to send me. It will serve to replace the one I formerly possessed, & will remind me continuously of your kindness." Ironies and coincidences multiply in this brief letter. The former commander of the Army of Northern Virginia is acknowledging receipt of a history of the American Revolution in the South written by Lieut. Col. Banastre Tarleton, whose defeats greatly contributed to the British loss. One of the primary instruments of Tarleton's defeat was Robert E. Lee's own father, American cavalryman Gen. "Light-Horse Harry" Lee. And, of course, Lee fought over much of the same ground in Virginia.
(Item ID: WRCAM30950) $15,000.00