Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to J.C. Underwood
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00199 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1868 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to Judge Underwood of the U.S. Circuit Court to confirm his receipt of a summons to testify in the treason trial, '"The United States vs: Jefferson Davis," and agrees to report on the postponed day of the case, 14 April 1868. Lee did not actually appear in court until 27 November 1868. Written while Lee was president of Washington College (later Washington and Lee). The circuit court at Richmond was not able to reach a consensus on the trial and registered their disagreement with the U.S. Supreme Court. On 25 December 1868, President Johnson issued a proclamation of unconditional amnesty and the case was dismissed.
Lexington VA: 14 Mar 1868
Honble J.C. Underwood
Judge U.S. Circuit Court VA:
Sir
I have seen the order of the Circuit Court, in the Cause of, "The United States vs: Jefferson Davis," of the 19t Inst: postponing the Case till the 14 April next; & understand from it, that the witnesses will not be required to attend until that time. Unless notified to the Contrary, I will answer the Summons to me on that day
Very resply your Obt Svnt
R E Lee
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