Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Dr. W. Carnac
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02096 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 September 1867 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Lee briefly responds to a query from Dr. W. Carnac denying the allegation that there was any romantic involvement between George Washington and Sue Grimes (Grymes), the first wife of Nathaniel Burwell. Lee comments that although he believes Washington acknowledged the beauty of Miss Grimes (Grymes), anything beyond that is imagined. Dr. W. Carnac previously sent Lee a manuscript (not included) detailing the alleged involvement.
There is no known record of any involvement between the Washington and Grimes. Robert E. Lee married Mary Custis, great granddaughter of Martha Washington in 1831.
Lexington Va: 18 Sept. 1867
My dear Sir
Absence from Lexington has prevented my replying to your letter of the 27th Ulto: until to day. I believed there are grounds for the belief that Genl. Washington in early life was pleased with the beauty of Miss Sue Grimes: all else in the narrative you inclosed to me, so far as my knowledge extends, is imaginary.
Very respy
your obt. Servt
R. E. Lee
Dr. W. Carnac
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.