A Short History of General R. E. Lee, from the Histories of Generals series (N114) issued by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Smoking and Chewing Tobacco 1888

This trade card from 1888, part of the "Histories of Generals" series, depicts Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It was produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. to promote their "Honest Long Cut" tobacco brand. The card features a portrait of Lee within a laurel wreath, along with the Confederate flag, a cannon, and oak leaves. The card's design incorporates elements of Civil War imagery, reflecting the brand's appeal to a target audience of men who enjoyed tobacco products during that period. The image, as well as the text "For Smoking and Chewing," suggest that the tobacco was intended for both pipe smoking and chewing, a popular practice at the time. The card's small size and relatively simple design are typical of trade cards produced during the late 19th century.