AUTOGRAPHED ROBERT E. LEE CDV PHOTOGRAPH WITH PRESENTATION INSCRIPTION, albumen print on a photographer's card with lined border, a left-facing bust portrait in uniform, boldly signed "R E Lee" below image and "Presented to / Col. W. J. Martin" across the lower edge, back inscribed "Lucy? Currie", no photographer's imprint. Together with a card printed "Mrs. Archibald Currie," which the CDV was formerly tipped onto. Two pieces total. Circa 1865. 4" x 2 1/2".
Catalogue Note: The present CDV was presented to Col. William Joseph Martin (1830-1896), who was born in Richmond, VA, graduated from the University of Virginia in 1854, and joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina in 1857. He enlisted as a captain of Co. G, North Carolina 28th Infantry. Martin saw extensive duty in Virginia, was seriously wounded four times, and was promoted to colonel in April 1864. His promotion to brigadier general was signed the day that Lee surrendered. 
After the War, Martin returned to Chapel Hill to resume his position on the faculty, but the university soon closed. After a stint in Tennessee where he founded Columbia High School, Martin moved back to North Carolina in 1870 and became chairman of chemistry, geology, and natural history at Davidson College, a post he held for the remainder of his life. 
His youngest daughter was Lucy Martin Currie (1876-1967), fondly known as Miss Lucy at Davidson. Her husband, Dr. Archibald Currie (1876-1942), was a professor of political science at Davidson College. The card accompanying this CDV was printed for her.

Excellent condition, two small spots of residue to the top edge of the back.