General Lee and Santa Claus

General Lee and Santa Claus was published just two years after the Civil War ended. Hailed as "Mrs. Louise Clack's Christmas gift to her little Southern friends," the story centered around three young girls who had not been visited by Santa for four Christmas Eves. Very disillusioned with Santa, the girls wrote to General Lee to find out if Santa Claus really loved the rebel children. General Lee's response reassured the girls that Santa did indeed love the children of the South. General Lee further explained that he had asked Santa to exchange their toys for medicine and clothes needed by his soldiers, knowing that the children would understand and approve. The book not only reconciled the children with Santa, but the proceeds from its sale went to Southern orphans.

Stratford Hall Plantation receives royalties from the sale of General Lee and Santa Claus. These funds will be used to preserve and maintain the home that Robert E. Lee remembered so fondly. The price of a single copy is $9.95 (Virginia residents add 4 1/2% sales tax) plus $3.50 shipping. To order General Lee and Santa Claus, contact the Plantation Store at (804) 493-9796 or toll-free (800) 533-5066.