An excellent Appomattox relic collected by "Lee's Map Maker" Albert H. Campbell, supported by documents related to Campbell. Items include:

1. Apple tree twig. [Appomattox Court House, Virginia], [9 April 1865]. Housed in small box, with period ink inscription reading: "1st Cutting from apple tree at Appomattox C.H. Va under which Gen Lee sat April 9, 1865 when conducting negotiations with Gen Grant for the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Cut by A.H. Campbell Maj of Eng. C.S.A." 

2. Letter signed by Confederate Secretary of War, George Randolph, to Captain Albert H. Campbell. Richmond, Virginia, 6 June 1862. 1 page. 

Appointing Campbell as Captain of Engineers, to report to Major W.H. Stevens. 

3. Brown University diploma for Albert H. Campbell. Signed by University President Francis Wayland. Providence, Rhode Island, 1 September 1847. 

Albert H. Campbell (1826-1899) was a Virginia native who, prior to the Civil War, served the U.S. government by surveying the western frontier for a transcontinental railroad. In 1854, he participated in Amiel Whipple's survey through New Mexico and Arizona, and later John Parke's survey to San Diego. 

At the outbreak of war, Robert E. Lee, a former army engineer himself, was acutely aware of the desperate need for improved maps. Five days after assuming command of the Army of Northern Virginia, he assigned Campbell to head the Topographical Department. 

Surveys were taken of Richmond and the surrounding areas, focusing particularly on likely sites of battles, and new maps were prepared and drafted. The Gilmer-Campbell maps are now sometimes referred to as the "Lost War Maps of the Confederates," as the originals are currently unlocated. 

An excellent relic with remarkable provenance. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]