R. H. Phillips to General Frances Henney Smith, William Nelson Pendleton to General Smith (Copies), 1865

Containers:

Box 7, Folder 10

Creator:

Pendleton, William Nelson, 1809-1883

Language:

English

Abstract:

R. H. Phillips wrote to General Smith, the superintendent of Virginia Military Institute at the time, inquiring about helping a friend, Mr. Stieff of Baltimore, to donate a piano to help furnish the Lee home. It was Mr. Stieff's understanding that the citizens of Lexington were furnishing the home and he and his brother wished to contribute. Charles M. Stieff was a German immigrant who came to the Baltimore in 1842. He began a business importing German pianos for sale in Baltimore and eventually began building his own high quality pianos. His two sons eventually joined the business and one of them is likely the "Mr. Stieff" referenced in the letter. The accompanying letter is from William Nelson Pendleton confirming his conversation with Mr. Steiff on the subject.

Other descriptive data:

The letters are photo copies of the originals. The originals are located at the Virginia Military Institute Archives.

Names:

Smith, Francis H., Colonel (Francis Henney)
Pendleton, William Nelson, 1809-1883

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