98 Court Street
Memphis Tenn.
24th Jany 1875
Sidney Lanier Esqr.
My dear Sir,
It gave me sincere pleasure to receive a letter from you. Our intercourse left with me many pleasant memories and I have felt a deep interest in your welfare.
When in Montgomery last fall I saw your Aunt, Mrs Watt, and learned from her the only news of you I have had for a long time.
With this you will find an introductory letter to Tekel Wallace Esqr. who has such relations to the Peabody Institute as will enable him, I suppose, to secure for you the facilities you desire. I know nothing of the subject which had engaged your attention, but shall take an interest in the investigation because of your connection with it. It will gratify me much to receive the volume which you are about to publish.
With kindest remembrance to your Wife, and best wishes for you and yours, I am truly
your friend
Jefferson Davis
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 4, M2009.413
Transcribed by Caitlin Connelly, 2016 May 26
