Arlington 27th Dec 1860
I do not know my dear Sir[1] whether in these troublous times I am to expect any further payments upon the Recollections It would be very acceptable at this time but I write especially to say should there be any such I do not care to to have a note at 4 months subject to discount but will wait ‘till it becomes due.
Please write me what has been done with the work & if Mssrs Derby & Jackson would not be willing at any time to insert a few more illustrations. I expect soon to have that painting on copper of Genl. Washington & the fates which Miss Pinckney has been so kind as to give me & should like to have an engraving of it. If the public would give more attention to the memory & precepts [of] Washington they would not be so ripe for disunion. I will still hope ‘till the storm breaks over us, but things wear a very gloomy aspect now the Republican party in Congress throw cold water upon all conservative movements. God knows how it will all end yet in all events believe me very truly yours
M C Lee
How does your work progress? Will you not be in Washington this winter I hope if you do come you will not fail to come over & see us
Present us kindly to the ladies of your family
Will you send me Derby & Jackson’s direction they have moved I believe from Nassau Street
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2009.246, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 November 13
