Camp Orange Co: 2 May ‘64
Your note of Saturday dear Mary with the bag of socks arrived yesterday. I distributed the socks to the Stonewall brigade, which makes 392 sent to those troops. I am much obliged to you for the shirt & Collars. They look very nice. I hope I have enough to answer for the present. I send down the flannel shirts you made for me which I have not required, also my winter boots, to be put in my trunks. I also send the embroidered collar & cuffs sent me by the Misses Semons. Please ask Custis to send up my summer boots, the long pair I sent down last Fall, also my blue pants of summer cloth, without stripes. You must thank Cousin George for the gauntlets & give them to Custis if he wants them, if not, & you will send them up, I will give them to F[itzhugh] or Rob. Tell Custis he must help himself to any gloves, socks or boots he wants out of my stock. I believe there is nothing of value in my trunks that he would fancy. If there is to take them. I should like to have a pair of suspenders in my trunk, new pair. I have a pair of pants on that, require them. F[itzhugh] & Beverly Turner dined with me yesterday. Both well. They came back with me from church. Mr. Wilmer gave us a beautiful sermon. I saw Mrs. Wilmer with him.
I have no time for more. Give a great deal of love to Custis, Rob & the girls & kind regards to all friends.
With a heart full for you & constant prayers for your restoration & preservation.
I remain most truly
R E Lee
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 517, Section 26, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 November 7