Lee, Stephen D. (Stephen Dill) (1833-1908) to Frank H. Furness
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04271.01 Author/Creator: Lee, Stephen D. (Stephen Dill) (1833-1908) Place Written: Columbus, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 October 1905 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.8 x 27.9 cm. Order a Copy
Lee is unable to attend an event in honor of "G. W. Hodge, the Confederate soldier whose life you saved." Furness invited Lee to attend a reunion of the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, which Furness commanded. The reunion was to honor G. W. Hodge, whose life Furness saved "in the terrible days before Richmond." Lee cannot attend, but is glad to hear about stories like this, as they promote reconciliation between former enemies, "those of us who had ugly feelings in the 60s are now mellowed and living friends." Lee was invited because he was in charge of the United Confederate Veterans. Written on United Confederate Veterans stationary.
Frank H. Furness was a Union Captain in the Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and a Medal of Honor recipient.
Stephen D. Lee was a Confederate Lieutenant General, and after the war became the Commanding General of the United Confederate Veterans.
Oct. 18th, 1905
Captain Frank Furness
My Dear Friend
I have your very kind letter of Oct. 16 inviting me to be present at the Reunion of the 6th. P.a Cavalry - at a reception to be given Mr. G. W. Hodge - the Confederate soldier, whose life you saved in the terrible days before Richmond in the long ago. It is a sweet, beautiful incident - this reception shows that those of us who had ugly feeling in the 60s are now mellowed and loving friends. . . I would like so much to be with you but my duties will Keep me in Miss about Oct 31 & Nov 1 - The Yellow Fever quarantines have unsettled & delayed all work, & we will have a killing past soon and the wheels will begin to run again - I will however be with you. yours & Mr. Hodge in spirit at least -
[2] The incident relating to you & Mr - Hodge as it appeared in the Phila papers has been copied in every Sunday Metropolis paper in the South & such incidents do good when read every where -
With Kindest Wish
Your Sincere Friend
Stephen D. Lee
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