Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 to John MacKay
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03324 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Brooklyn, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 30, 1846 Pagination: 4 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Written as Captain of Topological Engineers working on the defenses of New York City harbor. Written in a playful manner typical of his other letters to MacKay, a close friend. Lee worries about MacKay's lingering illness and hopes the warm Gulf air may improve his health. He discussed at length a recent snowfall and the festive atmosphere of the city. He comments merrily on the ladies and a sleigh ride down Broadway in a large "omnibus" sled where he offered a woman his seat rather than his lap since, "it would not sound well if repeated in the latitude of Wash[ingto]n that I had been riding down B[road].W[ay] with a Strange woman in my lap." He then discusses his family. Lee mentions the possibility of war with Mexico but concedes that they will do nothing but talk. Lee and MacKay met and became friends as cadets at West Point.
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