Robert E. Lee to Mary Custis Lee, 1864 December 25

Near Petersburg 25 Dec^r ‘64

My dear daughter

I must take a portion of this Holy day to reply to your last letter. I was sorry to hear of the visit of the enemy to Kinlock, & fear the discovery of the dressing case may have added to the rigour of their search & probably to the distress of the family, as its ownership was apparent both on the exterior & interior. I valued the case on account of its donor, but its loss does not detract from my fond recollection & appreciation of him. I regret however that Some trinkets that it Contained should have fallen into hands for which they were not designed. I Cannot recall now what they were, as I had not opened it since I packed it away on first going to Texas. I recollect among them was the ring containing Genl & M^rs Washington’s hair, with their initials in pearls, given me by your G^rd Mother & which I had bequeathed to Custis. There was also an antique, the head of Socrates I think set me by my sister Mildred, which I left for Fitzhugh. there were some other little things I think for you girls, but I cannot recall them, & the case was designed for Bertus. It is now useless to regret its abstraction, & if it had escaped that party, it might subsequently have fallen into the hands of another. I thought the case was at R___ & had I Known it was at K___ think it probable I should have made an effort to get it away. But it is now too late, & we will think nothing more about it. Fearing that Torbert¹ might have succeeded at Gordonsville & proceeded further I had ordered Fitzhugh’s division to the Chickahominy & it had gotten within six miles of here before I heard of his repulse, where I halted it. Bertus Came on, Friday ev^g as cold as a stone, & remained that night. As the division rested Saturday, Fitzhugh & Johnny rode in during the mor^g to see me. All well & the cav^y has returned to day to its camp. I find Robs boots on the wane. A new pair I gave him this Fall is gone & his only remaining pair going. I wish you would send me both pairs of those long boots (coming above the Knees) I will send him a pair. Also please send me my flannel drawers. I hope I will not have to trouble you again. Put my leather slippers in the bundle to prevent another call. I went in to church this mor^g & Col: Marshall has gone in to Petersburg this ev^g. I am all alone. Cols: Venable & Taylor have gone to their homes to spend Xmas. The latter under the expectation of rec^g Xmas gifts from his Sweetheart. Col: Talcott dined with me to day. His father mother & two younger brothers are in Mexico, & the three girls will now join them. Probably with them. Mrs. Montholon is also there & her daughter Julia² about to be married. I pray the new year may bring you much happiness & peace to the country. With much affection, your father

R E Lee