Lee, John F. (1813-1884) to Henry Jackson Hunt
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02382.092 Author/Creator: Lee, John F. (1813-1884) Place Written: Upper Marlboro, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa [1872] Pagination: 3 p. ; 20.5 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
Refers to Hunt's contribution to the biography, an account of Lee's passage through the pedregal (a lava rock field) during the Mexican American War. Notes that the book is "short & simple... well done for a female- no bad eloquence. except in the appendix- where there is some, very bad, by orators and statesmen... " Notes that Marshall's contribution was good (possibly referring to Charles Marshall, who served as Lee's aide-de-camp). Discusses the implications of Hunt's description of Lee; wonders whether his praise of Lee was appropriate (possibly since Hunt had served the Union and Lee the Confederacy). Mentions McClellan, Grant, and the trial of General Fitz John Porter. Year inferred from the date of publication of Emily Virginia Mason's biography of Robert E. Lee, which Lee recently received in the mail.
Hunt had served as Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac. After the Civil War, he occupied various military posts. In the early 1870s, Hunt served at Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island.
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