Camp four miles from
Bessville Clark Co
Va
Oct 30th/62
My Dear Mother
Pa sent me by a courier night before last your letter of the 25 inst, announcing the death of my darling sister Annie, I could not then nor can I now realize that I shall never see her any more in this world. It is a sad blow to us all ; but God in his mercy Knows what is best for us all, and if we recognize in all our misfortunes his omnipotent hand, we would feel more content with our lot in this world. I never even heard of poor Annie’s illness until I heard she was dead. Even in this case we can recognize God’s great mercy, for in taking away your beloved daughter He gave you a little Grand daughter who might comfort you in your affliction. The Army is doing nothing at all now but drill! drill! We moved day before yesterday from our camps near Winchester & Martinsburg down here around Berriville & Charlestown. Our camp is within about four miles of Berriville, but I don’t know whether Odley is this side of the town or not.! But if possible I am going over to see cousin Hester. Custis took a list of what I wanted, & in addition to what I set down I want you to make me a nice overshirt, to use as a vest.
I am in very good health now & am enjoying myself as much as one can in this terrible war. You all must write to me sometimes. Our Battery has been put into the 1st Regt of Va Artillery
Give my best love to Agnes & Milly & Mary & Charlotte & my little niece & remember me your loving son R E Lee Jr
Dear Custis please give this to Ma. I do not Know where she is
R E Lee Jr
Roxbridge [sic] Artillery
1st Regt. Va. Arty
Jackson’s Corps
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 398, Section 20, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2016 October 25
