Petersburg
October 10, 1864
My Dear Major
I have delayed thanking you for your letter of July until I could inform you of the safety of the box by Mr. Andrews. I heard of its arrival at Wilmington, but much time elapsed before it reached the careful hands of your brother, Maj. William Ferguson, at Richmond, who kindly distributed the contents.
With my whole heart I thank Lady Eardley, Mrs. Irvine, and Mrs. Ferguson for the useful articles sent me, and beg you to give them my grateful acknowledgements. I know it will give them and you pleasure to learn that Gen. Longstreet has returned to the army, and though not entirely recovered from his wound, yet I hope sufficiently to resume his duties.
The army appreciates your zealous and self-sacrificing efforts in promoting their comfort, and hail with pleasure the arrival of every cargo you send. May you continue to be able to supply their wants!
I trust your prayers and those of our transatlantic friends in our behalf may be heard by our merciful God and answered in his own good time, and may the day not be far distant when you will return to us in peace and happiness!
Very truly your friend and servant,
R E Lee
Source: Confederate Veteran, March 1899, p. 100.
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 February 1
