13 June 1863
My dear Custis
I find my blue flannel pants yielding to the wear & tear of the road. I have another blue pair in my trunk of summer cloth, which I wish you would Send me. They are plain without Cords on the Seams. I send down Col Long to see if possible what this move of the enemy is up the Peninsula. I believe it to be a raid to destroy our crops & lay waste our Country. All the accounts I get agree in stating that the enemy has Sent off his troops from Suffolk, Yorktown, Gloucester &c to reinforce Genl Hooker. He Can only leave a Small force in that region, which he has probably collected for this expedition. We must do the same & beat him back at all hazards. Genl Hookers army has not moved in that direction as far as I can be certain of anything in war. It is extending now up the Rappk.
I hope Fitzhugh is doing well. Let me Know how he gets on. Give much love to your mother & Sisters & remember me to all friends.
God bless you all
RE Lee
Source: Transcription of digital copy of original, Robert E. Lee Papers, Rubenstein Library, Duke University
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2022 February 18
