Cumberland Island[1] Febry 26th 1816
Dear Andrew
On my arrival here the 20th of Januy. I received your favour of Novr. It would have been answered sooner. I have been very much engaged during the winter and the Letter being laid by in part escaped my recollection. Our winter has been very mild and pleasant. The Thermometer has averaged from 76 to 26 as it has been as much below 50 as above 60 degrees. The Peas are now in Blossom, and we have plenty of lettuce.
In a few days I shall have this place for Savannah, after spending a few days there. I shall proceed to augusta: and from thence to West Tennessee. If I meet with no unexpected detention in Tennessee I expect to return by the middle of April to Savannah and in May proceed to New York to spend the Summer with my northern friends. My Journey by land will be about 14 or 1500 miles. In this way we travel through the world, some on foot and some on horse back
I thank you for the compliment of naming your first son after me. If he should prove as clever a fellow as his Father I should certainly consider it an honour more interesting and gratifying to me than to be enrolled among some who are consoling themselves their Names will live in the Page of history. You will mention me with kindness to your wife, mother and Sister whose health I hope is restored long before this time.
A Gentleman from Washington in Novr. last took charge of a little Bag of Rye which was to be left with you for [James Taliott ?]. This Rye was brought from France by Mr Crawford the minister. It was of very fine quality, and I wished to introduce it to the good farmers of Glastenbury.
My Journey from Washington in the Stage to Augusta in ten days was very pleasant, and the winter has been spent quite pleasantly. I am remarkably fortunate in my travelling companions for Tennessee. I have two very respectable Gentleman from Rhode Island and one from Tennessee. The two former are travelling more to see the country than on business. If they should be pleased with it it is probable they may make it the place of their future residence.
I am Dear Andrew
In haste affectionately
Russell Goodrich
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 2, M2009.123, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 April 8
[1] Cumberland Island was where Light Horse Harry Lee was buried. In 1913, his remains were moved to Washington and Lee University.
