Reverend Sam Beach Jones to Robert E. Lee, 1865-11-01

Item — Box: 7, Folder: 15

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: 1865-11-01

Creator

From the Collection: Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870 (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

Samuel Beach Jones was a Presbyterian Reverend from Bridgeton, New Jersey. According to “Bridgeton, New Jersey: City on the Cohansey” Jones was a much loved pastor. However, at the outbreak of the Civil War members of his congregation and others suspected him of being a Southern sympathizer, forcing him to resign. Jones wrote a long letter discussing reports of the war and his attempt to get them for Lee. He mentions other topics he hopes to track down, such as a picture of Arlington. It seems as if they had corresponded before, when Jones sent Lee an article on the Battle of Sharpsburg that concluded it not to be a victory for the Federals, but rather an escape from imminent peril.