Robert E. Lee. Bold
signature "R. E. Lee Genl" at top right of brown homemade cover
addressed in his hand to "Col. Fitz Lee, 1st Cavy", light wrinkles
and faint edge toningVERY FINE. THIS IS THE EARLIEST OF ALL RECORDED ROBERT E. LEE AUTOGRAPHED FIELD COVERS. AN OUTSTANDING HISTORICAL COVER.
General Robert E. Lee's letters sent from the field were enclosed in envelopes signed "R. E. Lee Genl". The letters and other important papers were carried by military courier, usually to Richmond to another officer under Lee's command.
Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia on June 1, 1862. This is the historical starting point for all of Lee's signed field covers. Records indicate that Lee's nephew, Fitz Hugh Lee, received his commission as Brigadier General on July 25, 1862. Therefore, this cover, addressed to Fitz Hugh Lee as Colonel, must have been sent sometime in June or July 1862, making it the earliest of all recorded signed Lee field covers.
Accompanied by a copy of the Confederate Philatelist article (Jan.-Feb. 1981) documenting this cover and providing a transcript of the letter that originated with the cover. Ex Telep. (Image)
Jefferson Davis Electoral
Ticket. 1861 electoral ticket from Va. showing candidates for all
sixteen districts and major offices, some ink erosion, non-contemporary ink
on back barely shows thru at bottom left, still a Fine collateral item (Image)