![[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. Autograph letter signed ("R E Lee"), as Col., U.S. Army, to Major William D. Fraser, Corps of Engineers, NY; Baltimore [MD], 7 March 1851. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf with panel in Lee's hand, original postal markings, on pale blue paper. Very fine condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01630_1016_000(102125).jpg?w=1)
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[CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. Autograph letter signed ("R E Lee"), as Col., U.S. Army, to Major William D. Fraser, Corps of Engineers, NY; Baltimore [MD], 7 March 1851. 1 full page, 4to, integral address leaf with panel in Lee's hand, original postal markings, on pale blue paper. Very fine condition.
"THE LONG AGONY IS OVER." A fine early letter, written during the period Lee spent rebuilding harbor fortifications around Baltimore. He has just heard that Congress has failed to pass a bill that would have appropriated additional funds for this work. He seems resigned: "'The long agony is over' & the Fortification Bill has failed. I have left of the former app[ropriation] enough to work moderately through the Season & wish to engage an experienced man to take charge of the operations of the Diving Bell (one of which I have) & 2 good Bellmen. As everything turns up in your Dept. I have thought you might help me. Can you recommend any such to me, or me to any such? Give me also if you please the amt. of wages I should offer. I have nothing new...." After his return from service in the Mexican War, Colonel Lee served as chief engineer on the new fortifications in Baltimore; he left that post when he was named Superintendant of West Point.
"THE LONG AGONY IS OVER." A fine early letter, written during the period Lee spent rebuilding harbor fortifications around Baltimore. He has just heard that Congress has failed to pass a bill that would have appropriated additional funds for this work. He seems resigned: "'The long agony is over' & the Fortification Bill has failed. I have left of the former app[ropriation] enough to work moderately through the Season & wish to engage an experienced man to take charge of the operations of the Diving Bell (one of which I have) & 2 good Bellmen. As everything turns up in your Dept. I have thought you might help me. Can you recommend any such to me, or me to any such? Give me also if you please the amt. of wages I should offer. I have nothing new...." After his return from service in the Mexican War, Colonel Lee served as chief engineer on the new fortifications in Baltimore; he left that post when he was named Superintendant of West Point.