Office of Treasury
Agency Richmond
May 9, 1865
General,
I am spending a few days here on official business providing for relieving commercial intercourse of restrictions so far as possible under laws passed with reference to a less happy state of affairs, and still in force; and also in reference to captured abandoned and confiscable property & the purchase and shipment of products.
I am told that you have expressed a wish to see the agent of the Treasury Depart. and can concieve that soon public advantage may grow out of an interview between us, as I am here on a mission of peace and conciliation which you are understood to desire and encourage. I shall be pleased to see you at any time or place if I know it will be agreeable to you.
I take the liberty of inclosing a note I received the evening I left Washington from Mrs Kennon1 in which she sends kind message to yourself and family
Very Respectfully
Yours
H A Risely2
1. Britannia Wellington Peter Kennon (1815-1891). She was a native of Washington, D.C., but was a descendant of Martha Washington and a friend of the Lee family. Robert E. Lee, Jr., was one of the pallbearers at her funeral. She wrote to Risley around thwe time of Risley's letter to Lee: "Many thanks for your kind note. I wrote to my Cousin a few days since, or would most gladly wait myself of your very kind offer. I should be most happy to hear from them, & if you should see Genl Lee pray give him & his family my warmest love. I hope ere long Mr. Risley you will be able to make us a visit. We shall always be very glad to see you. Could you you come over to breakfast some morning."
2. Hanson A. Risley (1814-1893), an agent of the United States Treasury and a native of New York.
Source: Robert E. Lee Headquarters Papers, Folder 29, Mss3 L 515a, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 February 8
