Robert E. Lee. Bold signature "R. E. Lee Genl" at top right of manila cover addressed in his hand to "Danville Female College, Danville, Virginia", the cover also bears a 10c Blue, Die B (12), ample to large margins, tied by "Petersburg Va. Dec. 25" circular datestamp, small piece missing from backflap, slight creasing at top

VERY FINE. AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE'S SIGNATURE IN COMBINATION WITH A CONFEDERATE GENERAL ISSUE STAMP. MAILED DURING THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG (JUNE 1864 TO MARCH 1865). A MARVELOUS COMBINATION OF HISTORY AND PHILATELY.

General Robert E. Lee's letters sent from the field were enclosed in envelopes signed "R. E. Lee Genl". The letters and other important papers were carried by military courier. Some of these letters were mailed at the post office with postage prepaid; locally-addressed mail was usually delivered by hand, although a few examples were given to the post office.

The Petersburg postmark on this cover is dated December 25. The letter that originally accompanied this cover is datelined "Hd Qrs Near Petersburg 23 Dec '64" and briefly declines an invitation to attend a concert at the college. This is No. 14 in the list of 15 privately-held covers with Robert E. Lee's signature and Confederate postal markings, compiled by Capt. James L. D. Monroe (http://www.jlkstamps.com/csa/archives/lee.htm).

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