Richmond 24 June ‘61
I must take a few moments dearest Mary to write to you this morg, though I have nothing to say, but to express the fervent hope that you are well & all with you. I heard the other day that daughter was at Manassas, for some good object I trust. In times like these, the advancement of some praiseworthy object should be our only aim. The practice of self denial & self sacrifice even was never more urgently demanded.
I have not heard from you since I wrote last but cannot expect regularity in the mails, nor must you be surprized at not recg intelligence from me.
Mildred I hope is with you, & your future arrangements is the source of much anxiety to me. No one Can say what is in the future, nor is it wise to anticipate evil. But it is well to prepare for what may reasonably happen & be provided for the worst; There is no saying when you can return to your home or what may be its condition when you do return. What then Can you do in the mean time? To remain with friends may be inconvenient & where can you go? Agnes came up from the W. H. saturday 22nd & is staying with Mrs Corbin Warwick.1 Every one here is very kind & she has many invitations. Charlotte & Annie will be up tomorrow on their way to Hickory hill where they expect to stay some weeks. What they will then do I know not. In the main Agnes thinks she had better remain here so as to lighten the party at Hickory Hill. Charlotte thinks she cannot get along at all without Annie at least & she may like both of the girls. I will see her I hope as she passes through Richd & will try & have something decided on. These three might keep together & you M. & M for the summer. How Can I send you some money, of which I fear you will be in want. Is any thing due Mrs. P. for M? My movements are very uncertain, & I wish to take the field as soon as certain arrangements Can be made. I may go at any moment, & to any point where it may be necessary. I shall feel very anxious about you & the girls, but for my firm reliance upon our Heavenly father would be miserable. I wrote you about Robert & sent you his letter which I hope has reached you. Custis I think is better, though frequently has to resort to medicine.
He is engaged on the works around this city. Many of our old friends are dropping in. E. P. Alexander is here, Jimmy Hill, Alston, Jenifer, &c &c, & I hear that my old Colonel A. S. Johnston, is crossing the Plains from California. Smith & Nannie are still here, with Chudie, John, Henry & Robt C. Smith will go to Norfolk soon. Chudie not well yet. John will go to the Army, & Henry desires to enter some volunteer Compy. Carter was here Saturday. He wished Nannie & Agnes to return with him yesterday. But the former was unable & A. having just arrived thought she had better stay a few days. Your brother Carter seems to have become quite excited. I hope it is only due to the times. But the present occasion ought to tend to calm & determine mens conduct. Tell Life I recd her letter & will try & mend my wardrobe. Give much love to all
As ever
RE Lee
1. Margaret Elizabeth Bradfute Warwick (1820-1898) was married to Corbin Warwick (1792-1877). They were wed in December of 1838 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. Margaret was the great granddaughter of Colonel William Evelyn Warwick of Westover plantation. Corbin Warick was a native of Amherst, Virginia, and a tobacco merchant. The Warwicks resided in East Grace Street in Richmond. Margaret and Corbin are buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Mss1 L51 c 300, Lee Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 April 3
