COLONEL SAMUEL R. JOHNSTON, CSA, FAMILY GROUP OF ROBERT E. LEE-RELATED ARTICLES, comprising two signed letters, one retaining original war-time franked envelope, all mounted in a double-sided frame under glass, a signed and inscribed CDV of Lee, and a quarter-plate tintype of Col. Samuel Richards Johnston. The letters, written by Robert E. Lee, are addressed to Col. Johnston and his wife, Mary, in reference to the naming of their son after General Lee. In the first, dated "Petersburg, 23 Jul. '63", Lee suggests that the boy should be named for his father "whose virtues and merits I certainly pray he may imitate." In the second, dated "24, Sept. 1867", and addressed to Mary E. Johnston, General Lee again thanks her for the compliment of naming their son after him, and goes on to say "I am much obliged to you for his photograph, in poor return send him my own." This refers to the CDV present in this lot, signed to the face "R E Lee", and inscribed to the back "Robert Lee Johnston". 1863 - 1867. Letters (framed together) 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" sight, 13" x 14 3/4" OA.
Letters in excellent condition with fold lines, light toning, and minor foxing/discoloration. Envelope with expected wear. Letters and envelope not examined out of frame. CDV very good with minor corner wear (one bent with crease line), toning, and minor fading to signature. Tintype in very good visual condition with minor wear to case.

Provenance: Property descended in the family of Dr. William Miller Duncan, Staunton, VA.
Catalogue Note: Samuel R. Johnston was a civil engineer that began his military service to the Confederate States of America in 1861, as a lieutenant the 6th Virginia Cavalry. In May and June of 1862 he was reassigned as an engineer to Richmond, and in August, 1862, was made a captain, EO (engineering officer) on Robert E. Lee's staff. By war's end he had achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. His son, Robert Edward Lee Johnston, was born January 27, 1865, and became a doctor.

Letters in excellent condition with fold lines, light toning, and minor foxing/discoloration. Envelope with expected wear. Letters and envelope not examined out of frame. CDV very good with minor corner wear (one bent with crease line), toning, and minor fading to signature. Tintype in very good visual condition with minor wear to case.