Franklin Street
Monday 1 May 1865
Dear Mrs Lee
Lest I might not find you alone I reply to your note, and first of all let me assure you, and I think I am not presuming on your good opinion when I feel you will believe me that you and yours are heartily welcome at the house as long as yr convenience lends you to stay in Richmond, and trust that you owe me nothing; or if you insist on paying, that the payment must be in Confederate Currency, for which alone it was rented to your Son. You do not know how much gratification it has and it will afford me and my whole family, during the remainder of our life to reflect that we have been brought in contact and to know and appreciate you and all that are dear to you.
I will not say farewell for I hope to see you more than once. we learn: next week
Believe me to be Dear Madam yours truly
John Stewart
Do you know as I believe you do,
Mrs Dr. Fairfax. She has been applying for the house when you leave. would She be agreeable to you as a successor with whom you could leave any of yr things
JS
Source: Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 586, Section 29, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 January 24
