Framed Lee's Letter of Resignation from The U.S. Army & Lee's Letter to His Sister

Product Description:

• Proudly handmade in the USA
• Wood Frame with Mat, Glass Front, Paper Duster Backing with Wire Hanger
• Printed on antique parchment paper that goes through an 11 step process to give it an aged authentic look. Each paper is unique with characteristics such as (but not limited to), golden or yellow hues, crinkling, puckering.
• Frame measures approx. 21 1/2" wide and 19" tall
• Font size approx. 12pt type

Frame Details:

We currently offer two lines of frames:

• Solid Wood Frames: Country Black Frame (main photo) or Grey Barnwood.
• Eco-Friendly BonanzaWood® Frames: Pitch Black, White American Barn, or Montauk Boardwalk. These eco-friendly frames provide the finish, look, and longevity of solid wood, yet are constructed of millions of tons of residual wood which is collected, cleaned and milled to uniform-size particles and formed to shape under intense heat and pressure.

Product Details:

Arlington, Washington City, P.O
20 Apr 1861

Lt. Genl Winfield Scott
Commd U.S. Army

Genl,
Since my interview with you on the 18th Inst: I have felt that I ought not longer to retain any Commission in the Army. I therefore tender my resignation which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It would have been presented at once but for the struggle it has Cost me to separate myself from a Service to which I have devoted all the best years of my life, & all the ability I possessed. During the whole of that time, more than a quarter of a century, I have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors & the most Cordial friendships from any Comrades. To no one Genl have I been as much indebted as to yourself for kindness & Consideration & it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I shall carry with me, to the grave the most grateful recollections
of your kind Consideration, & your name & fame will always be dear to me. Save in the defense of my native state shall I ever again draw my sword. Be pleased to accept any more [illegible] wishes for “the Continuance of your happiness & prosperity & believe me

Most truly yours
R E Lee

Arlington, Virginia 
April 20, 1861

Mrs. Anne Marshall 
Baltimore, Maryland

My Dear Sister:

I am grieved at my inability to see you.   I have been waiting for a more convenient season, which has brought to many before me deep and lasting regret.

Now we are in a state of war which will yield to nothing.   The whole South is in a state of revolution, into which Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn;  and though I recognize no necessity for the state of things, and would have forborne and pleaded to the end for redress of grievances, real or supposed, yet in my own person I had to meet the question whether I should take part against my native State. 

With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home.   I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State (with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed) I hope I may never be called upon to draw my sword. 

I know you will blame me, but you must think as kindly as you can, and believe that I have endeavored to do what I thought right.   To show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me I send you a copy of my letter of resignation.   I have no time for more.   May God guard and protect you and yours and shower upon you everlasting blessings, is the prayer of

Your devoted brother, 
R. E. Lee