Camp Petersburg 5 Febr ‘65
My dear daughter
I have just recd your note of the 3rd & take advantage of Col: Ives return to acknowledge it. Capt Leigh it Seems has only paid for the Coat. Do ask him to extend his attention to the other garments, equally deserving I hope of Consideration. I do not want the clothes here & must ask you to place them with my other treasures in the trunk.
I return the photographs arranged as you desire. I hope your friends will take more pleasure in them than I do. I think they would prefer the likenesses of some of your brothers. Suppose you try them. Rob I see is practicing to assist in giving my signature. I think his young face would be more acceptable to the Southern damsels than his fathers. My new honours as you term them are no subject of Congratulation to me, & what is of more importance now to others. I fear to them they will be a sad disappt. My horse is saddled before the door & the hour for church has come. I must therefore pause. With much love to all the household. I am your fond father
R E Lee
Source: Transcribed from original letter, Mary Custis Lee Papers, Mss1 L 5144 a, Section 14, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2019 January 31
