Richmond 26th April 1861
My dear Mary
I return with my signature the pay accounts forwarded by Carter & I doubt the propriety of permitting them & if prevented I doubt whether they will be paid I would therefore suppress them but for the probability in the settlement of my accounts with the united states some stoppage or disallowance of which they may be an offset to payable charges against me. I wish if Custis or Lawrence Williams think proper they may be presented, otherwise destroy them & say nothing about it. I am very anxious about you. You have to move, & make arrangements to go to some point of safety which you must select. The Mt Vernon plate & pictures ought to be secured. Keep quiet while you remain & in your preparations war is inevitable & there is no telling when it will burst around you. Virginia yesterday I understand joined the confederate states. What policy they may adopt I cannot conjecture. I send a check for $500, which you had better apply tell Custis in settling up matters &c. May god bless & preserve you & have mercy on all our people is the constant prayer of your affectionate husband.
R E Lee
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of letter copied by Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L 51 c 282, Section 15, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2022 May 5
