Camp 5 Decr ’63
I recd last evg dear Mary your letter by Steny Mason. Your fancy for writing by private opportunities I fear gives your messengers much trouble & does not expedite the delivery of your missives. Upon arriving on the trains there is some trouble for travellers to find means of reaching their destination, the way &c Than to be charged with extra matter adds to their difficulties. In illustration Steny arrived at Orange CtHouse day before yesterday. Last evg he had to walk out to my camp 2 miles, where he arrived at dark. He would not stay to discuss. I supposed it was Beverly & that he had means of transportation &c & as he had to walk back. After dinner & he had gone, I read your letter & found it was Steny. Too late. If you will send your letters to the Adjt & Insp Genls office any day, I will get them by a regular messenger the next without trouble to any body. Steny said nothing about any socks which you mention in your letter. I suppose you did not send them. The Dr. promised to put me up a vial of the salve as recommended by Judge Field. If it Comes in time I will send it by Custis. He says all the ingredients are good. I am glad to hear that Charlotte is improving. Give love to all.
Truly & affy
R E Lee
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 494, Section 24, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 June 15
