20th [October 1862]
My dear child
Your sister Annie left us this morning at 7 o’clock for a better world where her dear grandmamma will be ready to receive her oh may we all meet her where there will be no more sin or sorrow but perfect peace. I would send for you if I was at my own home but as you could not get here before my poor Annie would be laid in the ground it is best you should not come. I will try & make some arrangement to get you mourning if I should not succeed you may get some in Raleigh. Get some of the teachers to see & also what chance we could have of getting board there your black straw might be trimmed with crape or black ribbon but you need be in no hurry. Take time to mourn for your dear sister.
Your fond mother
M C Lee
Source: Lee Family Papers, L51 c 425, Section 20, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 January 24
