John W. Brockenbrough to Robert E. Lee, 1865-08-10
Scope and Contents
This collection contains primary and secondary resources pertaining to Robert E. Lee and the Lee family. Included are correspondences from, to, and about Lee and various family members; memorabilia, pamphlets, photographs, reminiscences, miscellaneous personal papers, family history and genealogy. The collection includes materials acquired from the Lee family and items donated to and purchased and compiled by W&L University since Lee's tenure as president of Washington College from 1865 - 1870. Adminstrative papers, such as President's Reports, etc..., from Robert E. Lee's presidency of the school may be found within the W&L University Archives. Please contact W&L Special Collections for information regarding the University Archives.
Dates
- Creation: 1865-08-10
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 24 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
John Brockenbrough writes to Robert E. Lee to implore him to accept the position as President of Washington College. Brockenbrough reminds him that "The educational interests of Virginia, as of all her Southern Sisters, has suffered dreadfully by the war. The University, Va Mil. Institute, Hampden Sydney, and William and Mary College are all crushed and cannot be resuscitated for years to come. Washington College alone possesses an independent endowment and you have only to stretch forth your powerful arm to rescue it, too, from impending destruction. You alone can fill its halls, by attracting to them not the youth of Virginia alone but of all the Southern and some even of the Northern States."
Repository Details
Part of the Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives Repository