A rare and historic American civil war era manuscript, drafted by famed military leader and tactician Robert E Lee, will begin auctioning online at RR Auction tomorrow (July 18).
 Lee’s decision to divide his men into two distinct armies resulted in considerable loss of life on both sides, but eventual victory for the Confederates |
Expected to achieve $60,000-70,000, the handwritten manuscript, entitled General Orders No 59, was drafted immediately after the battle of Chancellorsville.
From April 30 until May 6, 1863 Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia fought Union Army Major General Joseph Hooker and his men.
Tactician extraordinaire, Lee split his significantly smaller army into two groups, winning the battle, but losing close friend "Stonewall" Jackson to friendly fire.
General Order No 59 comprises statements of "praise and gratitude" following "glorious victory", as well as laments for lost soldiers.
Lee writes: "Under trying vicissitudes of heat and storm you attacked the enemy, strongly intrenched in the depths of a tangled wilderness, and again on the hills of Fredericksburg, fifteen miles distant, and, by the valor that has triumphed on so many fields, forced him once more to seek safety beyond the Rappahannock.
"Let us not forget in our rejoicing the brave soldiers who have fallen in defense of their country; and while we mourn their loss let us resolve to emulate their noble example."
Although Lee does not acknowledge "Stonewall" by name, he does single him out, stating: "The army and the country alike lament the absence for a time of one to whose bravery, energy, and skill they are so much indebted for success."
Since the Confederacy awarded no medals, believing all soldiers were heroes, a mention in General Orders was the highest honour a soldier could hope for.
American civil war items are very popular among collectors. In October 2012, the Issac Plumb civil war archive sold for $46,000, up 206.6% on its $15,000 estimate.
We currently have this rare and remarkable copy of the American Declaration of Independence in stock.
RR Auction's sale runs until July 25.
