Turnbulls 29 Jany ’65
My dear Mary
You will see by Major Janny’s acknowledgements that both of your bags have arrived Safely & that all the socks previously recd have been distributed. The bag containing the 60 prs: jackett, shoes &c was sent by express which Caused its delay. I return the bags. The straw bag has pretty much Come to grass & is no longer reliable. I have no photographs. Daughter forgot them. We are enjoying ice water in abundance. Our neighbours also possess the same luxury. The Patapsco is frozen I understand so that steamers Cannot ply between Baltimore & Norfolk. The Potomac must also be frozen, if it is true that the James is closed. If our men had only clothes & abundant food, I should not Care for the Cold. Give much love to the girls & all the household. I heard from Fitzhugh recently, all well. Tell Margaret & Carrie when tired of their beaux they had better Come to see me.
with much affection
truly yours
R E Lee
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 c 564, Section 29, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2022 April 29
