Camp Culpepper 25th, July ’63[1]
My dear Mrs. Stiles:
My thoughts have been with you ever since I left Penn. I grieve, deeply grieve, over your irreparable loss.[2] But your loss is mine too, for your sweet child was as dear to me as my own daughter. I know your anguish and know how to sympathize with you. But I believe that our Heavenly Father has taken her unto Himself at the time best for her and we must be resigned to bear our sorrow. May He give you strength and support in your great affliction.
Remember me very kindly to Mr. Stiles, and Mr Low[3], both of whom have my deep [sympathy?].
With sincere love to all your family.
I remain truly and aff. yours,
R. E. Lee
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, M2009.303
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 May 23
[1] This transcription is based on the transcription of an original, which is highly faded and unreadable in its present condition.
[2] The death of Mary Cowper Stiles Low (1832 November 15 – 1863 June 17).
[3] Andrew Low (1813-1886), husband of Mary Cowper Stiles Low.
