Details
LEE, ROBERT E., General, C.S.A.. Letter signed ("R.E. Lee") to Colonel Philip St. George Cocke, "Head Quarters, Virginia Forces," Richmond, Va., 3 May 1861. 1 1/2 pages, 4to, integral blank with recipient's docket, three tiny punctures (where filed by recipient?), one just catching the initial "E" of signature, otherwise in fine condition.
MUSTERING THE FIRST VIRGINIA REGIMENTS FOR THE DEFENSE OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
An exceptionally early letter as commander. Lee had submitted his resignation from the U.S. Army on 20 April and, three days later, accepted his commission as commander of the army and navy of Virginia Here, he gives orders for the organization of the Virginia forces to General Cocke (1809-1861). "Under the authority of the Governor of Virginia [Letcher] by his proclamation...You are hereby authorized to call and muster into the service...Volunteer companies from the counties of Alexandria, Fairfax [and 16 others, each named]. The troops from the first five named counties may be directed to rendezvous at Leesburg and Warrenton as you may find most advantageous. Those from the next five, at Culpepper Court House. Those from [four named] at Charlottesville. The remainder at Lynchburg. The whole number of Companies thus called into service...will not exceed ten Regiments of Infantry or Rifles, two of Cavalry and eight Companies of Artillery. You will organize them into Regiments associating as far as possible Companies from the same section of the State, and place them temporarily under such officers as may be available until their proper field officers can be appointed....It is hoped that you will be able rapidly to organize the whole force...."
Provenance:
Unnamed owner (sale, Christie's, 1 October 1980, lot 61).
MUSTERING THE FIRST VIRGINIA REGIMENTS FOR THE DEFENSE OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
An exceptionally early letter as commander. Lee had submitted his resignation from the U.S. Army on 20 April and, three days later, accepted his commission as commander of the army and navy of Virginia Here, he gives orders for the organization of the Virginia forces to General Cocke (1809-1861). "Under the authority of the Governor of Virginia [Letcher] by his proclamation...You are hereby authorized to call and muster into the service...Volunteer companies from the counties of Alexandria, Fairfax [and 16 others, each named]. The troops from the first five named counties may be directed to rendezvous at Leesburg and Warrenton as you may find most advantageous. Those from the next five, at Culpepper Court House. Those from [four named] at Charlottesville. The remainder at Lynchburg. The whole number of Companies thus called into service...will not exceed ten Regiments of Infantry or Rifles, two of Cavalry and eight Companies of Artillery. You will organize them into Regiments associating as far as possible Companies from the same section of the State, and place them temporarily under such officers as may be available until their proper field officers can be appointed....It is hoped that you will be able rapidly to organize the whole force...."
Provenance:
Unnamed owner (sale, Christie's, 1 October 1980, lot 61).