Robert E. Lee. Bold signature "R.E. Lee" on double-sided 8 x 10 in. autograph letter datelined "Lexington Va. 8 June 1866", to C.S.A. Col. Osmun Latrobe, who was living in London, wonderful content related to Lee's efforts to locate documents to reconstruct events of the war and the "Campaign of 1864" including in part: "My dear Col., I regret to learn by your letter of May that the maps of the official papers of Longstreet's Corps were destroyed in the conflagration of Richmond... I will not deprive you of your diary which you kindly offer me... All my records, reports, returns, orders &c were destroyed near Appomattox C.H. ... there is no possibility of ever replacing them.", Lee goes on to express sorrow that Latrobe has been "called on" to reside in Europe and closes with the heartfelt sentiment "You will have my kindest regards wherein you go and my best wishes for your success and happiness. I recall with great pleasure our former association and my constant satisfaction at your cheerful and efficient aid.", letter with a couple small holes along the folded edge (which is gummed) and couple edge nicks -- none of which affect the signature or writing which is very fresh

VERY FINE. A SPECTACULAR AND RARE AUTOGRAPHED LETTER FROM THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMANDER ROBERT E. LEE, WITH FASCINATING REFERENCES TO THE WAR.

At the time this letter was written, Lee was serving as president of Washington College, which was later renamed Washington and Lee University. Shortly after the war ended he began to attempt to gather sources that would allow him to write his memoirs. After 1866 he largely put the project aside and never did advance it very far before he died in 1870. This letter, written to the former chief of staff of Lee's most senior subordinate in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1st Corps Commander Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, is an example of Lee's efforts to obtain records that would assist in this effort.

According to a website dedicated to Gen. Longstreet, "Osmun Latrobe began the war as an officer on the staff of D.R. Jones where he provided valuable service. In the Army of Northern Virginia's reorganization after the battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam), Longstreet requested Latrobe to join his expanded staff and assigned him with the duty of assistant-adjutant and inspector general. Due to Longstreet's faith in his abilities, Latrobe's duties continued to expand as the war progressed. Wounded in the hand at the Battle of the Wilderness, Latrobe would recover and accompany Longstreet's ambulance as it took the General off the field. La Trobe then continued to serve as part of the inner core of Longstreet's staff during the final months of the war, succeeding Moxley Sorrel as chief of staff." (http://www.longstreetchronicles.org/graphic60.htm)

With 1980 Charles Hamilton certificate

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