![[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Autograph letter signed ("R. E. Lee") to Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, Camp, 10 July 1864. 1 page, 4to, blue, ruled paper, matted and framed with oval lithographic portrait of Lee. FINE.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01534_0256_000(102121).jpg?w=1)
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[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). Autograph letter signed ("R. E. Lee") to Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, Camp, 10 July 1864. 1 page, 4to, blue, ruled paper, matted and framed with oval lithographic portrait of Lee. FINE.
"I FEEL THE LOSS OF STUART MORE THAN YOU DO & WISH INDEED HIS PLACE COULD BE SUPPLIED."
A RARE SHOW OF EMOTION FROM LEE, WRITING TO HIS NEPHEW. Two months after Stuart's death in The Wilderness fighting, Lee speaks of his loss to his young nephew, in an expansive letter that ranges from discussions of horses and blankets, to the disposition of troops in the Petersburg campaign. "The Scarlet blanket is thinner & lighter as you say, & besides is a very nice one. But I think I prefer the other. I return the Scarlet as it is your favorite Colour & you may want it. I am very much obliged to you for thinking of my wants. I hope the blanket you gave me will save my horse's back. You had better change your picket line at once & send word to Genl. H. [Hunter] to that effect. He has recd the orders to move up & was to have moved up one brigade yesterday north of Rowanty Creek with a portion of the dismounts. He says he understands no water can be obtained north of Rowanty Creek. I shall endeavor as you have been informed to bring up some Cavl. tonight & have directed H. to move up towards Reams & take the best position to protect them. I feel the loss of Stuart more than you do & wish indeed his place could be supplied. I trust his zeal, activity & attention at least is left us." In July 1864 Lee was in the midst of his protracted fight on the Petersburg line that he waged "all summer" and into the following year. When Grant finally dislodged him from the trenches in March 1865, Lee made one last effort to salvage the Confederacy by linking up with Gen. Joseph Johnston in the Carolinas. Ironically, it would fall to Fitzhugh Lee to lead the last offensive action of the Army of Northern Virginia: an early morning charge on 9 April 1865 at Appomattox Creek, intended to cover his uncle's retreat. The attack and the retreat both proved useless and the Southern cause was finished.
"I FEEL THE LOSS OF STUART MORE THAN YOU DO & WISH INDEED HIS PLACE COULD BE SUPPLIED."
A RARE SHOW OF EMOTION FROM LEE, WRITING TO HIS NEPHEW. Two months after Stuart's death in The Wilderness fighting, Lee speaks of his loss to his young nephew, in an expansive letter that ranges from discussions of horses and blankets, to the disposition of troops in the Petersburg campaign. "The Scarlet blanket is thinner & lighter as you say, & besides is a very nice one. But I think I prefer the other. I return the Scarlet as it is your favorite Colour & you may want it. I am very much obliged to you for thinking of my wants. I hope the blanket you gave me will save my horse's back. You had better change your picket line at once & send word to Genl. H. [Hunter] to that effect. He has recd the orders to move up & was to have moved up one brigade yesterday north of Rowanty Creek with a portion of the dismounts. He says he understands no water can be obtained north of Rowanty Creek. I shall endeavor as you have been informed to bring up some Cavl. tonight & have directed H. to move up towards Reams & take the best position to protect them. I feel the loss of Stuart more than you do & wish indeed his place could be supplied. I trust his zeal, activity & attention at least is left us." In July 1864 Lee was in the midst of his protracted fight on the Petersburg line that he waged "all summer" and into the following year. When Grant finally dislodged him from the trenches in March 1865, Lee made one last effort to salvage the Confederacy by linking up with Gen. Joseph Johnston in the Carolinas. Ironically, it would fall to Fitzhugh Lee to lead the last offensive action of the Army of Northern Virginia: an early morning charge on 9 April 1865 at Appomattox Creek, intended to cover his uncle's retreat. The attack and the retreat both proved useless and the Southern cause was finished.