" Autograph  Seekers  Of  Bel-Air "

( General Robert E. Lee - After Gettysburg )

by Mort Kunstler

The Country's foremost Civil War Artist

For three bloody days in July of 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia battled the Army of the Potomac in the rocky hills and wheat fields of Adams County in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This engagement marked a significant turn in the Civil War; many historians refer to this as the high water mark of the Confederacy. After failing to gain the high ground on any front, the rebels suffered nearly 28,000 casualties, approximately one third of their entire army.

On July 4th, the remainder of Lee’s ranks began an excruciating retreat back toward the Potomac River and Virginia. The Confederate wagon train of wounded men stretched for nearly 17 miles. Adding to their misery were harsh weather, treacherous roads and periodic harassing from the Federal cavalry. Fortunately, the victorious Union Army, commanded by General George G. Meade, failed to launch a significant attack on the limping Confederates, who managed to cross the river back into the Old Dominion on the night of July 13th. By July 22nd, Lee’s army had reached Front Royal and began to cross the Shenandoah River on pontoon bridges.

A local merchant named William M. Buck met the commander and his staff at the crossing and extended a personal invitation to share refreshments at his nearby estate. Christened “Bel Air,” the stately home had been built in 1795 by Buck’s great-grandfather. Always a gentleman, the general accepted the offer and traveled to the home for a much needed reprieve.

The Bucks’ daughters entertained the general by playing the piano and singing. One of them, Lucy, would later publish an account of the event, writing, “I shall never forget the grand old chief as he stood on the porch surrounded by his officers; a tall commanding figure clad in a dusty, travel-stained gray, but with a courtly, dignified bearing.” Before departing, the two young ladies asked for his autograph. General Lee graciously took a moment to give his signature to the two young ladies who had gifted him with song.

Hand Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Print

Collectible Civil War Print

ONLY  AN  EDITION  OF  350  PRINTS  EVER  MADE

This is a beautiful collectible limited-edition Print

-----  SOLD   OUT   PRINT   EDITION  -----

 PERSONALLY HAND SIGNED BY MORT KUNSTLER 

   The Image Size Is  About -- 31" x 17"

-----   MINT  CONDITION  PRINT   ----