Near Petersburg 3 Feby ’65
My dear Mary
I have recd your note of the 1st. I am very much obliged to Mr Mead for the trouble he has taken in relation to the Lee Genealogy. I have no desire to have it published & do not think it would afford Sufficient interest beyond the immediate family, to compensate for the expense. I think the money had better be applied to relieve the poor.
I send you the memo of socks recd by Major Jenney. There was one pair less than you stated. The bag was returned yesterday during my absence or I should have written. I return the Photographs as you desire. I do not see the advantage however of sending to me to be returned. I heard from Fitzhugh & Rob yesterday all well. I grieve over the death of my darling little niece. How our pleasures in life go out, a bright joyous & affectionate spirit has left us. May God have mercy on us & make us ready & anxious to follow her. I did not write the sad news to the boys or impart it to Mrs Pegram whom I met yesterday at a review of Pegrams death. I had not the heart. She looked very happy & said she was having splendid times. Long may it last. I can hardly see. Give much to my dear daughters.
very affy & truly
R E Lee
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L 51 c 565, Section 29, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2022 April 29
