Camp on Sewalls Mt:
26 Sept 1861
I have just recd dear Mary your letters of the 17th & 19th Inst: with one from Robert of the former date. I have but little time for writing tonight, & will therefore write to you. I infer from one of your letters that you have written for money. The letter I have not recd, but Send my check for $200 which I hope will answer your present purposes. As regards dear Robt: I have said all I have to say. He must determine for himself. I cannot learn which of the Institutions Lexington or the University, will be the most favourable for him or what degree of instruction they will be able to afford. If they reach their former standard, I should incline to the University. He must ascertain & decide for himself. If he will say what amt: of money he will require for his support at either I will try & furnish it. Having now disposed of the business matters I will say how glad I am to hear from you, & to learn that you have reached the Hot in safety, with dear daughter & Rob. I pray that its healing waters may benefit you all. I am glad to hear of Charlotte & the girls, & hope all will go well with them. I infer you recd my letter written before leaving Valley Mt: though you did not direct your letter “Via Lewisburg, Greenbrier Co” & hence its delay. I told you of the death of Col Washington. I grieve for his loss, though trust him to the mercy of our Heavenly father. May he have mercy on us all! It is raining heavily. The men are all exposed on the mountains, with the enemy opposite to us. We are without tents, & for two nights I have laid buttoned up in my overcoat. To day my tent came up & I am in it. Yet I fear I shall not sleep for thinking of the poor men. I wrote about socks for myself. I have no doubt the yarn ones you mention will be very acceptable to the men here or elsewhere. If you can send them here, I will distribute to the most needy. Tell Rob I could not write to him for want of time. My heart is always with you & my children. May God guard you & bless you all is the constant prayer of your devoted husband
R E Lee
Source: Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 317, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 September 19
