Richmond, Va.
Feby. 2, 1863.
Capt. Robt. M. Stiles
C. S. Engineers
Savannah, Ga.
My dear Bob:
I must thank you for your note of the 26th inst., received this morning, and express my regrets that, not being able to accompany Col. Walker to Savannah, I am deprived, at this time, of the pleasure of accepting your kind invitation, and of realizing the pleasant anticipations I had up to the day of Col. Walkers departure of again seeing my friends in Savannah.
I hope you will receive for yourself, and deliver to the rest of my friends with you my very kindest remembrances.
I am glad to learn of Henry’s great improvement, and hope for its continuance.
I am as ever most truly yrs.
G W C Lee
1. Robert Mackay Stiles (1836-1865) was the son of William Henry Stiles (1809-1865) and Eliza Anna Mackay Stiles (d. 1867). Robert (not to be confused with Kentucky-born Virginian Robert Augustus Stiles, author of Four Years under Marse Robert) was a lieutenant of engineers who served in Savannah during the Civil War. He was the brother of William Henry Stiles, Jr. (1834-1878).
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Robert E. Lee Collection, 1835-1869, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript Archives & Rare Book Library, Emory University
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 November 8
