Hd Qrs Cav. Camp
25th Sept 64
Your last letter was dear mother, was duly received. I am glad to hear that your general health is so good & still hope & pray for your ultimate relief from your grievous complaint. You have truly suffered. I am afraid Dr. Hughes is not what he represents himself to be. Still if his medicine do you no harm, he is better than the other ‘seer.’
I am sorry that you seem to be dissatisfied with uncles disposition of his property. I do not think he could have done otherwise. I certainly did not wish him to do differently. I would not at this time be bothered with negroes for any consideration.
I have no desire for more of this world’s goods than I already have. If she could have lived it would have been different. My only wish is for the welfare of yourself my family & country.
I deeply feel your exhortations to “lay up treasures in heaven” would be to God I could feel a certainty that I would join her there!
I saw Papa a few days ago. He was quite well but still in his tent. If he continues to live in a tent, he will certainly injure his health & perhaps endanger his life, which is so essential to our safety.
Rob is looking very well & has entirely recovered from his wound. He has trimmed out his beard & looks quite [large portion of letter missing] give much family news. [illegible] was [illegible] in August
I see that the cars are now arriving to Fredericksburg, which will be a great improvement [rest of letter missing]
Source: Checked against original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 546, Section 27, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 November 3
