September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
Group of 12 Letters, written from February 17, 1868 through June 7, 1870, by Washington College student "J. Rainey" to his brother. Two letters are written on Washington College engraved letterhead. Generally, Rainey advises of his studies, the scenic area, and family members. However, Rainey was matriculating during the period when Robert E. Lee was the college's president. In small part, [February 17, 1868} "...This place is made up of big boys, for we have Gen. Lee of course and Gen. Smith is commander of the institute, Gen. Pendleton Episcopal Minister, it is the home of Gov. Letcher and we now have Gen. Breckenridge (if I spell his name correctly) on a visit to the place ... The Darkies celebrate the 22nd (which is Gen. Washington's birthday) by a political meeting, and invited Gov. Letcher and several other strong Rebs to address them and seemed to enjoy the speaking ... I understand the Negroes are going on outrageously in Caswell but don't know how true it is. ..." [April 9, 1870] " ..Gen Lee is gone south for his health- he looked very feeble when he left. I dont think I ever saw a man break more sadly than he has in the last year and understand some of the doctors have doubts about his ever returning; but you had better not say nothing about this, for hey probably don't want it mentioned. ..." In 1796, George Washington endowed the academy with the largest gift ever given to an educational institution at that time, $20,000. In gratitude, the trustees changed the school's name to Washington Academy; in 1813 it was chartered as Washington College. Upon Lee's death in 1870, the school was renamed Washington and Lee University.
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