John Carroll Brent, Esq.
Washington City D.C.
Fort Hamilton, N. Y.
2 April 1843
Sir
I did not receive your very kind letter of the 24 Ultimo until last night. I truly appreciate the motives which prompted you to preserve for some member of the family, the watch of my brother Major Henry Lee, & I am glad to have it in my power to enable you to secure the accomplishment of your friendly purpose.
I Accordingly enclose you the Amount named for its redemption. Please place the watch in the hands of Major Wm. B. Lewis to await my order.
I have not seen my brother Carter for more than a year. As he has not remained long at any one place during that time, it is possible your letter has never reached him. He is now in the lower part of VA: & is expected in the District about the middle of this month.
With grateful recollections of your attention to my diseased brother & regard for his family I remain
Very truly your obtsevt,
R. E. Lee
P. S. I should not be able to obtain a draft on Washington until I could get to N. York. I therefore am obliged to enclose you.
Three notes of the Bank of Virginia at Fredericksburg, A. 2794
A. 3531
B. 2229 for $10 each = $30.
One note of the Farmers Bank of VA: at Freds--burg, M. 905 for $10 each = $10.
One note of the Bank of the Valley in VA. at Leesburg, C. 820 for $10 each = $10
_________
$50
Which I hope from the daily commn with the places of payment & Wash
will answer your purpose. Should thy not & you return them, I will
send you a draft for the amount.
R. E. Lee
April 21 deliver watch to bearer from Mrs. Lee.
To Maj Wm B Lewis
Treasr Dept
Source: Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 3, M2012.006, Jessie Ball duPont Library, Stratford Hall
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2015 September 14
