1821. Octr 29
From H. Lee to Dr Mayo (fr: original)
Dear Sir,
I hasten to inform you that the person you are desirous to see1 is expected every day to be in this county & that the period of which you are anxious to receive the date is the 29th of Novr next so that the 1st of December will be about the right time. If you think it fit to begin the overture by letter & will inclose it to me I will endeavour to have it conveyed auspiciously. But if you prefer the mail you must defer it until after the 29th Novr. In respect to the other matters I inclose you my note for $1000 drawn in favor of Mr. Beverly and accepted by him. I wish it filled up at 6 months after date if practicable and at four if necessary. Mr. Page for raising the money & conducting the business will be allowed to retain his premium & I will secure him by a lien on furniture valued now at $2000 if to be sold at auction and the best private library of about 1200 vols. except perhaps Mr. Madison’s in Va. Or on horses mules & live stock of all kinds or on land. I will not encumber my slaves because with them if other resources fail I must replace the loan.
I have a private opportunity to Fredericksburg. where this will be put in the P.O. I am forced to conclude in haste with thanks for your assistance & Sympathy & a wish to hear from you speedily.
Yrs. Sincerely,
H. Lee
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 7, M2009.142
Transcribed by Caitlin Connelly, 2016 June 17
1. Elizabeth McCarty
