R. H. Phillips to General Frances Henney Smith, William Nelson Pendleton to General Smith (Copies), 1865-10-11

Item — Box: 7, Folder: 10

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

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: 1865-10-11

Creator

Pendleton, William Nelson, 1809-1883 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Extent

From the Collection: 24 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

R. H. Phillips wrote to General Smith, the superintendent of Virginia Military Institute at the time, inquiring about helping a friend, Mr. Stieff of Baltimore, to donate a piano to help furnish the Lee home. It was Mr. Stieff's understanding that the citizens of Lexington were furnishing the home and he and his brother wished to contribute. Charles M. Stieff was a German immigrant who came to the Baltimore in 1842. He began a business importing German pianos for sale in Baltimore and eventually began building his own high quality pianos. His two sons eventually joined the business and one of them is likely the “Mr. Stieff” referenced in the letter. The accompanying letter is from William Nelson Pendleton confirming his conversation with Mr. Steiff on the subject.