Lexington 19 Sept ‘65
My dear Mary
I reached here yesterday about 1 P.M. & on riding up to the Hotel, was met by Profr White of the Washington College, who brought me up to his father in Laws, Col Reed, the oldest member of the trustees of the College, where I am very Comfortably quartered. To day I will book out accommodation elsewhere as the Col: has a large family & I fear I am intruding upon his hospitality. I have not yet visited the college grounds. They seem to be beautifully located & the buildings are undergoing repair. The house assigned to the Pres I am told has been rented to Dr. Madison (I believe) who has not been able to pursue another residence & I do not know when it will be vacated, nor can I tell you more about it. I saw Mrs. Cocke yesterday afternoon, who looks remarkably well & will return to the alum tomorrow. Capt Edmund is with her, & goes to day to Kentucky. He & Mr Preston are very well. The latter will accompany his mother to the Alum. I have not yet seen him. I saw Mrs & Col Preston, Capt Frank & his sister. All the family are well. I shall go after breakfast to inquire after my trunks. I had a very pleasant journey here. The first two days were very hot, but reaching the mountain region the third day, the temperature was much cooler. I came up in four days easy rides, getting to my stopping place by 1 P.M. each day except the third, when I slept on top of the Blue ridge, which I reached at 3 P.M. The scenery was beautiful all the way. I am writing before breakfast & must be short. Last night I found a blanket & coverlid, rather light covering, & this morg I see a fire in the dining room. I have thought much of you all since I left. Give much love to the girls & Custis & remember me to all at Oak[land].
Mrs. M. C. Lee
Care of Mr. Carrington
Cartersville
Cumberland Co: Virginia
Source: Photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 595, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 August 2
