2021-05 Raynors HCA Live
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2021
Manuscript Document Signed, "R.E. Lee, Genl", 8" x 12-1/2", datelined Hd Qrs Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865, on lined blue paper which shows a 5" British watermark, (a Lion beneath a crown). The document has been professionally backed, mending weak folds. This document was signed by Robert E. Lee while he was at Appomattox. In full, "After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell. General Robert E. Lee General Commanding" On April 10th, Lee directed Lt. Colonel Marshall to write a farewell address to the Army of Northern Virginia, what became General Order No. 9. In this final formal address to the Army of Northern Virginia, Lee took responsibility for making the decision to surrender to spare further suffering to his men, who he then praised for their "constancy and devotion" to the Confederacy. Lee attributes the Confederacy's defeat to being "compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources." Lee was unapologetic for fighting his war and he only seems to have regretted letting his men down. As a broad explanation, there are three levels of Robert E. Lee signed General Order No. 9. First level is the original 12 issued to Lee's key commanders. These were issued at Appomattox o0n the 10th. These were official and displayed an address panel on the lower left of the document intended for the recipient. Norman Bell was the primary clerk who wrote these orders out for Lee's signature. The second level are those which were signed by Lee at Appomattox. Lee stayed in Appomattox until April 12th, the day of the formal infantry surrender ceremony. During that brief period, Lee met with fellow officers encouraging them with fellowship. This is the level of this document. An unknown officer likely had his clerk write the order and upon meeting with Lee asked that Lee sign it for him. The hand is different than Bell's. The paper carries the expected British watermark and is the expected blue/green paper. The third level are those signed by Lee while President of Washington University. These examples are not found with the correct British watermarked paper.
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