Title:
Confederate-Era Handwritten Envelope Addressed by General Robert E. Lee – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Handwriting

Description:
Offered here is an original Civil War-era envelope, hand-addressed by General Robert E. Lee, the commanding general of the Confederate Army. Though not signed, the envelope features Lee’s unmistakable handwriting, including the full name of his daughter, Miss Mildred C. Lee, written in his hand. The envelope is addressed to her at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina, care of “Dr. Smedes,” the school's longtime rector.

The envelope bears two Confederate States of America 5-cent blue stamps, canceled with ink, and is dated July 29th, 1863, in period ink—just weeks after the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. The envelope shows some wear consistent with age, including minor paper loss along the lower edge, but remains well-preserved and clearly legible. It has been professionally slabbed and certified by PSA/DNA as authentic handwriting of Robert E. Lee, and is encapsulated in a tamper-proof holder.

Historical Context:
Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) remains one of the most significant and complex figures of the American Civil War. Revered in the South for his leadership of the Confederate Army, Lee's role in shaping the war’s trajectory was profound. This envelope, addressed to his daughter Mildred during wartime, offers a poignant and personal glimpse into his family life amid the turmoil of conflict.

Mildred Childe Lee was the youngest daughter of Robert E. Lee and was attending St. Mary’s School, a respected Episcopal girls' school in Raleigh, North Carolina. The correspondence this envelope once carried likely offered a moment of connection between father and daughter during one of the most intense periods of the war.

The date, July 29, 1863, is of particular note—coming just weeks after Lee’s retreat from Gettysburg, marking a turning point in the war. Artifacts directly tied to this critical moment and bearing Lee’s authentic handwriting are exceedingly rare.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This envelope has been certified by PSA/DNA as bearing authentic handwriting of Robert E. Lee. The certification number 84946705 is visible on the label and can be verified through PSA’s authentication database. The item is securely encapsulated in a PSA slab, ensuring its preservation and authenticity.

Closing Appeal:
An extraordinary piece of Civil War history, this PSA/DNA-certified envelope addressed in the hand of General Robert E. Lee offers a deeply personal link to one of America's most pivotal figures. With direct ties to Lee’s family and a date connected to one of the war’s major turning points, this is a rare and evocative relic ideal for collectors of Civil War memorabilia, Confederate postal history, or 19th-century autographic material.