A handwritten transcript of General Robert E Lee's farewell address to the confederate army will sell at Sotheby's.

It's expected to make $50,000-70,000 in the 200 Years of American History sale in New York on May 25.

General Lee was forced to surrender in April 1865

Lee gave the speech, known as General Order No 9, on April 10, 1865 - the day after he surrendered to the union army.

The speech closes: "With unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell."

The text in this document is not in his hand, although it does bear his signature, and is one of a number given as keepsakes to high-ranking confederate officers.  

Another example of the document in similar condition sold for $50,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2013.  

A South Carolina secession broadside is among the other highlights.

The state announced its secession in 1860, following the election of Abraham Lincoln. This text was printed just 15 minutes after the announcement.

It's expected to sell for $40,000-60,000.

The sale will also feature a copy of the 13th Amendment, the bill abolishing slavery in the US, signed by Abraham Lincoln and other members of congress.  

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