Lexington, Va.,
6 Dec., 1870.
My Dear Taylor:
You may have heard that Col Marshall has been requested to prepare a sketch of my father’s life and public services for the Memorial Volume which the authorities of Washington College purpose publishing as soon as practicable, and that he has consented to do so. I have promised to give him all the assistance in my power, which will, I fear, amount to nothing more than troubling my friends. Marshall will want an outline of the operations in West Virginia and on the Southern Coast. Can you not find time to write a brief sketch of one or both of these? Or, if you can not, can you advise me to whom to apply? A brief outline will be sufficient, but the more complete the sketch the better.
I should like to have your advice as to whether it will best to give a formal answer to the kind offer of the Legislature, in regard to the custody and interment of my father’s remains, during this session or not. My mother, who has been quite sick since you left us (she is now much better) seems indisposed to be seperated from them, and indeed says that so long as she remains here, it is her wish that they remain where they now are.
I desire to do all that can be done to show our appreciation of, and gratitude for, the kind action of the Legislature; and this is why I trouble you for you opinion and advice in the matter.
With kind remembrances to, and best wishes for, your entire household and connection, I remain, Very truly yrs.
G. W. C. Lee
Col. Walter H. Taylor
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 8, M2009.395
Transcribed by Caitlin Connelly, 2016 July 15
