Camp Fredg ’63. 5 Jany.
My dear Custis,
Col: Corley informs me that Major Walley has recd some good cloth, a part of which is to be applied to the necessities of this army. All that I want at present is a pair of pantaloons. Will you get them for me? They have my measure at the clothing Bureau, or any one Can measure you increasing all the horizontal measures around girth, hips, &c. I like the legs full & so cut as to spring over the boot. Please have them made at once & sent to me, with or without stripes on seams as circumstances may render convenient. I requested your mother to inform you that I had sent power of Atty to Mr Eacho. Liberate Harrison, Reuben & Parks as soon as you can. Give to them any wages earned this year. We have another snow storm this morg which promises to be deep. Our men & animals have suffered much from scarcity of food. I fear they are destined to more. I am doubtful whether I shall be able to retain my position & may be at last obliged to yield to a greater force than that under Command of Genl Hooker. We shall lose the moral advantages of our position we have gained & our men may become descouraged [sic] again. Give much love to your mother, Agnes if in R, & all friends. Present me particularly to the gentlemen of the Presidents staff & believe me always
your father,
RE Lee
Col: G. W. Custis Lee
Source: Transcribed from digital scan of original letter, Robert E. Lee Papers, 1749-1945, Rubenstein Library, Duke University
Transcribed by Daniel Shevalier, 2018 June 15
