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.

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

Henry Clay Dean, a preacher, lawyer, orator and author who was a critic of the American Civil War, wrote to Robert E. Lee to share with him a copy of a speech that he had given recently. With the letter is the front page of the New York Daily News from November 1, 1865 where Dean’s speech is printed.

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...

Abstract

Whiteridge wrote to Lee on behalf of his ward, William Fitzhugh Turner, who Whiteridge was sending to Washington College. He sends with the letter tuition and board “9 months board $25 -$225, tuition $75 and French $10” $310 total. Whiteridge had requested information on October 23, 1865.

Abstract

R. M. Smith wrote to Lee to offer him battle reports.

Abstract

Reed was a northerner before, during and after the war. He wrote to Lee asking him to write a history of the war, so that it would not be skewed by those of “New England”.

Abstract Finley was a Confederate veteran, who lost his right arm at Vicksburg before being taken prisoner. He remained in prison until February of 1865. After his release, he rejoined the army as a courier, and finished his time after the surrender at Appomattox Court House. Finley was 20 years old and parentless. His grandmother offered to give him a good education. At the time of the letter he was still awaiting trial for treason. The letter is written with his left hand and is littered with...

Abstract

Roger B. Taney, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during much of the Civil War and during notable Supreme Court decisions such as Dredd Scott vs. Sandford, was having his biography written by Samuel Tyler. Tyler had heard that the Taney family “intimately” knew Robert E. Lee. Tyler asked that Lee might send him relevant information, such as letters or reminiscences.