Atlees 29 May ’64
I recd. this morg. dear Mary your note of yesterday & the basket of provisions. You must thank Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Stannard & Mrs. Randolph, for their kindness & Consideration. I have not been very sick, but Could not keep my horse for some days back. I am better now & hope to be well tomorrow. It is the more aggravating from the work I have to do. I trust God will give me strength for all He wishes me to do. I had hoped dear Daughter was well. Give her much love & tell her how much I sympathize with her. I am glad you have got Precious Life back. You had all better keep together & go somewhere where you can get peace & quiet. I think of you very often & wish I could be with you. May God keep & preserve you all. Do not send any of the whiskey. Some kind gentleman has sent me some brandy which I am using. I want for nothing. Everybody is kind that I am overwhelmed by it. The enemy is moving again this afternoon, apparently to our left on the line which they came from.
Give much love to Smith, Carter, Custis, all the girls & our kind friends. Fitzhugh, Rob, Fitz & all the boys are well. I am writing in the midst of many things. God bless you all.
Truly & affly yours
R E Lee
Source: Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51c 521, Section 26, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 February 24
