Camp 10 Jany ‘64
My dear Mary
I hope you have not suffered this cold weather. It has been colder than I have experienced since the commencement of the war & ice is very abundant & strong. We have kept very comfortable however & been able to maintain good fires which I fear the poor people in town have not been able to do & that there has been much suffering. I received a present from Miss Kitty Stiles of a pair of knit yarn jackets. They are very elastic & nice, but I do not know whether they are as warm as the flannel & have not yet put them on. The box also contained some peaches, rather quince, & cherries. I send you her note that you may see she still preserves the recollection of dear Annie. I have also received a present of a fine mutton, of which I send you a leg, as I think it probable you cannot get such often in Richmond. I have nothing new to relate. All is quiet along the lines. Our rations are very scant, & shoes, blankets & overcoats few. I trust we shall be able to get along. The last batch of socks you sent by Genl Chilton have been distributed & the gloves that were with them. They were very acceptable as are all you send. You must give much love to the girls, Custis & Rob, & present me to all friends. The messenger is waiting to take the mutton to the cars. I hope it will reach you safely.
Very truly & affy
RE Lee
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 498, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 September 17
