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...

Abstract

American Publishing Company representatives Scranton and Burr wrote to Robert E. Lee to discuss an interview in regards to a “History of the Civil War” which they hope he will write and allow them to publish.

Abstract Reverend J. Nefford wrote to Lee from Delaware, Ohio on behalf of a friend, Reverend T. H. Michell. Michell suffered from a stroke so could not write himself. Michell had served as Chaplain at Fort Chadbourn, Texas while Robert E. Lee was there. Michell was curious to know the whereabouts of his son, who he had not heard from since June of 1862 when he was at Harpers Ferry as a captain with Company L, 2nd Regiment, Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Michell hopes that he might help him find the...

Abstract

J. K. Smith writes to Robert E. Lee to tell him of a plan to create a journal of “Agriculture, Horticulture, the Mechanic Arts, Manufactures and our great Educational interests etc.” He hopes that Lee will be a contributor and that his name might increase the circulation of the journal. Smith writes that profits from the journal would be used by the Masonic Fraternity to establish a school in Harrisonburg.

Abstract

D. McPherson and Co. wishes to give Lee a suit should he send them his measurements. They write that they would like to provide suits for the students of Washington College as well, at a fair price.

Abstract

Robert N. Pendleton and J. Preston Cocke, students of Washington College, wrote to Robert E. Lee on behalf of the college's Graham Philanthropic Society to inform him that he had been elected an honorary member.

Abstract

Washington College’s Washington Literary Society wrote to Robert E. Lee to inform him that he was elected as an honorary member of the society. The letter is signed by John P. Stridey and William T. Thom.

Abstract

Mr. G. H. Stueckrath, a German immigrant, teacher and Confederate veteran, wrote to Robert E. Lee to ask for a position as a professor at Washington College.

Abstract

Upon Robert E. Lee assuming the position of president of Washington College, the college received a great deal of attention from southerners and northerners alike. Prospective students of the college or their parents would write to Robert E. Lee in order to request a Washington College catalogue, admission to the school or more information.

Abstract

William Marland of London wrote to Lee to request his name written on a piece of paper.

Abstract

Caskie writes to Robert E. Lee about G.B. Stacey & Son as well as Caskie & Brothers providing furniture.

Abstract

Together Milton Barlow and his father built many planetariums, often for universities. Barlow wrote to Lee to offer Washington College a planetarium that was the “same size and half the price of the one at West Point National Academy.” Due to the war, Barlow believes that it is the last one that he will make and offers it to the college for $1000. Today, the planetarium, more commonly called an orrery, resides in the Lee Chapel Museum.