Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Matilda Mason
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07815 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Camp before Vera Cruz, Mexico Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 March 1847 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 24.9 x 19.9 cm Order a Copy
Camp before Vera Cruz
28 March 1847
My beautiful Matie
I know you will be pleased at our success before Vera Cruz. The town & Castle [illegible]. We have had a bloodless victory. With the exception of some half dozen killed in the investment only 2 have been killed in the trenches on the part of the Army. One battery was manned by the Navy & during the two days [struck: they were] it was in operation, they lost 7. Among them (the inf officer) was [illegible] Midshipr Shubrick. A fine handsome youth, the gayest of the Gay & yet seemed to have a foreboding of his fate. He died at his gun. Capt Vinton; a gallant Officer & accomplished Gentn is the officer killed on our part. But I did not sit down to tell you these things [2] but that your brother Rhett is well & hearty & looks better than I have ever seen him. You know he was in love when I met him at your house & looked thin. He is at the end of the [inserted: line of] investment, & may not hear of this opportunity & indeed Cannot, or take advantage of it. I therefore have the pleasure of assuring you of his Safety. It has been a battle of the pick axe & shovel. They & hard labour have accomplished the deed. The Garrisons are to march out tomorrow with the honors of War [inserted: & to be prisoners on parole]. The officers to return their Side Arms & private property. The town, Forts & Castle with all their Armament, pub. Property & to be delivered over to the U.S. I write in the greatest haste.
Always yours
RE Lee
[address leaf]
Vera Cruz
28 March 1847
Miss Matilda Mason
Colioss, Near
Alexandria
D.C.
[docket]
Wrote
Sunday 8th did not go til Tuesday's mail
Wrote Thrusday's [inserted: 12th] mail
Saturday 16th
Monday 16
recd on the 8th letter written the 2nd
on the 13th written on the 5
on the 14th written on the 11
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