Monsieur
I have experienced so long your goodness as my professor that I beg you to accept this little volume as a feeble proof of my gratitude,--for to the interest you have taken in my progress and to your untiring efforts, I must attribute all my advancement. It gives me pleasure to accept the “Tragedies of Camille” which you have sent me. I shall be charmed to read them again. I shall endeavor, Monsieur, not to forget your instructions in the French language, but to profit by them as much as possible and also to prove to you that I am your very respectful and very grateful pupil.
Marie A. R. Custis
Arlington, August 5, 1825
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.169, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 November 12
