85

Jane Steptoe Cobb.

Letter discussing the separation of a Virginia father and daughter, and a visit by General Lee's family.

Liberty, Bedford County, VA, 9 October 1863
Autograph Letter Signed to father William Dickinson of Kanawha, WV. 4 pages, 8 x 5¼ inches, on one folding sheet; mailing folds, pencil docketing note on final page.

  • Notes: The author, James Steptoe Dickinson Cobb (1828-1878, often known as Jane), was daughter of West Virginia merchant William Dickinson, and had settled in Bedford County, VA after her marriage.  They were thus separated by the war and West Virginia's loyalty to the Union, with communication all but impossible. She notes that a friend offered to convey this letter to Kanawha, but she expects it will never arrive: "I almost feel there is little use in trying again. It has been so long since I had a letter from you, or since we heard directly, I am almost desperate. Tis two long years last month since you left us, and my dear father, is a long time to be separated from an only and dear parent." The letter is marked in pencil "Rec'd 16th Jan'ry 64"--three months after it was written.

    Sharing local news from Bedford, she adds: "Mr. Burwell's fam are all well & ask so often for you. The latter has Gen. Lee's family spending a while at this time, which causes much excitement in our little town. The place is filled with strangers, I scarcely know 20 persons in a church full." Robert E. Lee's wife stayed at Bedford County's Avenel House in 1863 while recuperating from an illness. 
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000