Early Civil War-dated autograph endorsement, signed "R. E. Lee, Gen'l Comm.," on the integral leaf of a letter written to him by Benjamin Huger, signed "Benj. Huger," one page both sides, 5 x 8, May 25, 1861. Lee's handwritten endorsement, in full: "Resp'y submitted to his Exc'y the Gov'r with the request that Genl. Huger's application as regards the appointment of officers under him, may be favorably considered." Huger writes to Lee that he arrived yesterday and assumed command, continuing: "I have not had time to make any examinations, which would enable me to report any information to you, other than what you know…I found no Q. Mr. here but am informed Mr. Johnson of Petersburg, is duly applied & will be here today. He is spoken of as competent. I beg after appointments are made, no changes be authorized without my consent. Every body seems to have much interest in appointments. I wish to have a say." In fine condition.
Lee had resigned from the US Army on April 20, 1861, to take command of all of Virginia's forces, which then encompassed the Provisional Army of Virginia and the Virginia State Navy. Huger had likewise resigned from the US Army effective April 22, 1861, and was appointed a brigadier general in Virginia's state militia on May 22, taking command of the Department of Norfolk, with defensive responsibilities for North Carolina and southern Virginia. On arriving at his headquarters at Norfolk, he penned this letter to Lee to ensure control over the officers in his command. A significant, early piece of Civil War correspondence as the Confederate Army began to be organized.
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