Orange Co 27 Aprl ‘64
I recd dear Mary your letter with the bag of socks. The number of the latter, 30 prs: were right. I distributed them to the Stonewall brigade. Those from the ladies of Fauquier which I head had reached Charlottesville have not yet gotten to me. I send you a check for $1365, which Custis can have cashed for you. It is payable in the new currency & I hope will be useful to you. I am distressed to hear that motion is so painful to you. I Consider Richmond not a suitable place for you, nor ought any one to be there unless business or occupation for the County compelled them. In addition to other Considerations you run the hazard of assault & siege, which you are not in a Condition to undergo. You need not send up the white shirts. I shall require them soon & will send for them. The other purple shirt & the Collars I will be obliged to you for. The Collar I have I will give to Robert when he Comes up. I have been very grateful for the victories our Merciful Father has given us. I pray they may Continue! Tell Margaret S. I have been wanting to write to her to thank her for her kind letter which Came safely to hand, but have not had time. I am sorry little Maud has again been sick. Give my love to Smith[1] & all my children. I have no time for more.
Truly & always yours
R E Lee
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 515, Section 26, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Katie Gibson, 2017 July 24
[1] Sidney Smith Lee, Robert E Lee’s brother.
