Quebec, July 24th 1868.
Col Walter Taylor
My dear Sir,
And good friend many thanks for your very kind letter of encouragement to Mr Davis which reached me upon the eve of our departure for Liverpool which takes place tomorrow. Our anticipations are not very bright, still they might be darker if we had not such friends as you. Our direction for some time will be simply to the general post office Liverpool. Probably we shall receive the letters just as safely there as by another direction. I can see no objection, nor can Mr Davis to a judicious publicity being given to the fact of the effort which is desirous of making. We cannot but suppose with you that his friends will do all in their power to sustain him if it is not to subtract anything from their own means. This latter they could not do for our dear people are already ground between the upper and nether millstone. If he could only get a promise of some tobacco as well as cotton he would I am sure do justice to the sale of it. If the democrats can only triumph in this coming election I shall hope much for our dear Country, if not, I shrink from contemplating the result to him, and to all of our people.
Will you see Mr Tazwell Taylor about Mr Davis’ case. I think he would be glad to help him, and any other person who would have influence and will you give my best love to all your family, and believe me
Most sincerely your friend
Varina Davis
P.S. Mr Davis can just creep around, but is better I hope much from the sea voyage.
Source: The Archives of the Robert E. Lee Memorial Foundation, Papers of the Lee Family, Box 8, M2009.362
Transcribed by Caitlin Connelly, 2016 July 13
