Arlington 15 March ’61
My precious Life
You have doubtless heard of my arrival. I want to see you very much & miss your presence dreadfully. I do not think I can wait till the expiration of your term; but will have to run up for a day to see you if I can find time. As usual I am very much occupied & have little time to devote to myself.
I hope you are very well & progressing favourably in your studies. You must write to me & tell me all about yourself. Mrs. Barnes has been paying us a visit but I presume has returned home. She went into Alexandria some days since to see Mrs. Turner & was to go from there to Winchester. I have only been once to Alexa but was glad to find all our friends well. Miss Helen Peters is with us now. Your brother is still at Fort Washington & I have seen but little of him. I saw Fitzhugh on his way from Baltimore to the White House his shadow is Considerably enlarged.
Charlotte too came on far my grandson, from whom she found Could not be separated, so I saw her for a day. Your nephew is a sweet little boy & reminds me very much of his father when at his age. Of Course then I am very fond of him. Your Cousin Edward Childe paid us a long visit & regretted not seeing [you]. He has gone to Baltimore on business but will return again & soon. He grieves much over the death of his dear father.
The Pup is well but melancholy. He is very belligerent & carries on perpetual Combats with the wild cats. His face is much scared & he begins to look like a veteran. I am his only companion. Your Mother & Sisters are well all unite in much love to you.
May God guard & protect you is my Constant prayer
your father
R E Lee
P.S. Kind regards to all the Powells,
REL
Sources: Photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 C 277, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Virginia.
Transcribed by Nicholas Tarchis
May 24, 2017
