June 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, June 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2013
George Pickett autograph letter signed, dated ''Monday - 8th'', not noted but August 1864, to his wife, Sallie. Less than two weeks before this letter was written, Pickett's division, part of the 1st Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia during the Petersburg Campaign, defeated Union troops at the Battle of the Crater under General Lee; a success that could, however, only in small measure diminish the sting of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. Written in pencil, letter reads in part: ''...Your two lines by Jackerie [a slave] did me a great deal of good my own darling wife...I saw Capt Edmonds this morning who says there will be no trouble about getting the rooms and twill afford him much pleasure, likewise his wife to have you at her table. If Mass Robt. ['Master' Robert E. Lee] will only leave us but I have my doubts-Things look something like an advance in another direction. Darling one I do pray you are not suffering from this intense heat we must all 'suffer some,' but thank God you have not the flies conjointly-You can form no idea of the numbers, and their tenacity in this region, man & beast are nearly crazy...very anxious to see you and the baby [born in July of 1864]...Bye Bye my own Sallie love...Your own George''. Pickett and Lee had a contentious relationship; Pickett believed Lee had ''butchered'' his division at Gettysburg and Lee, for his part, thought Pickett to be a less than capable officer, even remarking later in the war, ''Is that man still with the army?'' 2pp. letter measures 8'' x 10'' on a single sheet of ruled stationery. Tape repair to separation at fold intersections. Some chipping along edges and faded pencil in places. Very good condition.
Confederate General George Pickett 1864 Autograph Letter Signed, Disparaging Robert E. Lee -- ''...If Mass Robt. [Robert E. Lee] will only leave us but I have my doubts...''
Click above for larger image.