Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Ellen Caskie

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01434 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1867 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Returns photographs that he has signed. Tells her to never hesitate to ask him for more. Thanks her for keeping his name out of the papers and requests that she "... ask the editors of the Despatch & Inquirer to cease quarelling over my name." Mentions the weakness of his eyes.

Lexington VA: 14 April 1867

My dear Mrs. Caskie
I return the photographs sent for my signature, and I hope you will never think it necessary to ask in the name of another for anything I can do to serve you. To know your wish is all that I require. If Mrs. Webb desires my signature she must let me know. I have placed in the package one half of the number of Gardners photographs which I have by me. I would have sent them all, but I have constant calls, and as they often serve in place of a letter, I cannot afford to be entirely without.
We are allowed to do good on Sunday, and as I have taken it fasting, I hope my work will be forgiven. The Dr. never visits us until Saturday night, and I cannot use my eyes by candle light with impunity- I am very much obliged to you for requesting the Treasurer of the H&O M. [?] not to publish me in the papers. You will do me an additional favour if You will ask the editors of the Despatch & Inquirer to cease quarelling over my name.
With love to each and all of your household I am most truly your obt. Servt.
R.E. Lee

Mrs. Ellen Caskie

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870
Caskie, Ellen, fl. 1866-1867

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