Charles L. Taylor Autograph Letter Signed Regarding the Surrender of General Lee. Four pages of a bifolium, 5.5" x 8.75", Head Quarters, Kinston, North Carolina; April 8, 1865. The letter is addressed to his wife, Hattie, and is written on captured Confederate stationery with original transmittal envelope. In it, he writes about news of General Grant's capture of Petersburg and Richmond. He also writes about a rumor of General Lee's surrender, though he remains skeptical of its creditability. It reads in part: "...we received N.Y. papers of the 3rd and the glorious news of the success of our army under Gen. Grant and the taking of Petersburg and Richmond and are now anxiously waiting for further good news. There is a rumor today from the telegraph office here that Lee has surrendered. This may not be true yet however, though not unreasonable to suppose. It does indeed seem as if the further existence of the rebellion was short. It would be splendid and a most happy occurrence for us should the war end and I at home with my treasure of a little wife..." Signed, "Chas. L. Taylor." The rumor was indeed a little premature. General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox Courthouse the day after this letter was written. Condition: Toned with some soiling and smoothed mail folds. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved