2022-01 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2022
Robert Emmett (1829-1864) was a Confederate general in the American Civil War, and the first of Robert E. Lee's divisional commanders not trained at West Point. His division led Stonewall Jackson's devastating surprise attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville; Jackson, on his deathbed, recommended that Rodes be promoted to major general. Autograph Letter Signed "R.E. Rodes" datelined Head Qr Rodes Div, Orange Court House, Aug. 13, 1863 to Wm. M. Blackford, Esq, Lynchburg, 2pp. In part, "I got Dr. Mitchell the chief Surgeon of the Div and quite an able physician to examine Eugene's legs ... his only fear is that Eugene will consent to having operation performed upon the veins, a step which the Dr. decidedly opposes ... As for the impending battle I think we will face it ... be fought on the other side of the Rappahanock - Who knows? There is no indication to attack on the part of either Army, so far as I know." Rodes continues the letter on the reverse and signs with initials "R.E.R". In part "The story you hear about the desertions are exaggerated I imagine. The North Carolinians are upsetting and so are the Virginians neither to a greater extent than they did last Spring. It seems the Pres'd proclamation caused some 100 or more to leave. The evil is not going on to an alarming extent I think. Nor to an extent which is as perfectly natural under the system adopted by the process of pardoning all men who are commanded to be shot and finally releasing all deserters unconditionally. ... In haste, R.E.R."
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