Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 to Edward D. Townsend re: reports for duty before being offered command of army
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03717 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870 Place Written: Arlington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 01 April 1861 Pagination: 1 p. 24.3 x 18.8 cm Order a Copy
Written as Colonel in the 1st Cavalry. Lee was informally offered command of all US armies but refused in order to defend Virginia. He resigned on the 20th (that document is reproduced in Freeman's biography of Lee).
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