Robert E. Lee to Mary Anna Randoph Custis Lee, 1863 June 9

Culpepper [sic] 9 June 1863

It has been a long time dear Mary Since I have been able to write to you. I have rec^d two letters from you since I last wrote, & the pillow Case also. The latter is very nice & will answer as well as a new one. It is now on my pillow. I was glad to See by Marets¹ letter that she was well, & still retained her warm affection for you. I have heard that Beverly Codwise² is at Staunton, an assistant in the Hospital there. I wish I Could do Something for him, for he Seems to be a fine boy. It is very difficult to get places for young men there are so many of them in the like situation. The only chance is for them to make it for themselves. I think he had better remain there for the present. I reviewed the Cav^y in this Section yesterday. It was a splendid Sight. The men & horses looked well. They had recuperated since last Fall. Stuart was in all his glory. Your Sons & nephews well & flourishing. Fitz Lee was on the ground not in the Saddle tell Sis Nannie, but sitting by some pretty girls in a carriage. He says he is afflicted by an attack of rheumatism in his Knee. I fear it is so, but he is getting over it & expects to be on duty in a few days. Fitzhugh was on his black charger tell Charlotte & Rob by his side. John, Henry, &c were in their places. I am very sorry Charlotte had left. But understand from F__ she was very well. The Country here looks very green & pretty notwithstanding the ravages of war. What a beautiful World God in his loving Kindness to his creatures has given us. What a shame that man endowed with reason & a knowledge of right should mar his gifts. May he Soon change the hearts of men, shew them their Sins & enable them to repent & be forgiven! I hope dear Mary you are better. Rob says you are as well as usual. I trust that is better than when I was with you. I spend many anxious hours reflecting on your suffering Condition & my inability to aid or tend you & my dear daughters. May God in his mercy take you all under his protection! I hope you may be able to reach Some of the healing waters this Summer & that they may under the blessing of our Merciful Father in heaven effect a Cure. Remember me very Kindly to Mr & Mrs Caskie, Miss N__ & all friends. Kiss my daughters for me, & you must all remember me in your prayers, & implore the Lord of Hosts for the removal of the terrible scourge with which he has thought best to afflict on our bleeding country. Truly & aff yours

R E Lee