Career army officer and the most successful general of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War. He eventually commanded all Confederate armies as general-in-chief. Like Hannibal earlier and Erwin Rommel later, his victories against superior forces in an ultimately losing cause won him enduring fame. After the war, he urged sectional reconciliation, and spent his final years as president of the college that would come to bear his name, Washington and Lee University. Partial DS, signed “R. E. Lee, Lt. Engrs,” one page, 4 x 2.25, no date, but circa 1837. Partial military financial document, with Lee filling in a date of December 1836 concerning a payment received. Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Lee. As a first lieutenant of engineers, Lee supervised the engineering work for St. Louis harbor and for the upper Mississippi and Missouri rivers. His work there earned him a promotion to captain. In fine condition, with a rough left edge, slight ink skipping, and mounting remnants to reverse. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
