4th October
My dear Belle I do not know if you got a letter written I forget exactly when but in reply to yours, nor do I remember if the genl was then sick so much have I been distracted by his illness & the terrible flood. You can form no idea of the amount of loss & suffering & we are as much cut off from the rest of creation as if we were in the artic pole nor more since last wednesday the evening of that day & the commencement of the storm the genl was suddenly taken so ill & has been in bed ever since almost unconscious of the warming elements. Fortunately he sleeps a great deal & is scarcely yet restored to full consciousness tho the Drs think he is getting along well. I have only time to write a few lines as I have just heard of a Mr Davis who came from the Baths & is going back immediately. Do write when you can be sure of a chance & tell me how you all fared in the storm & what you are going to do. Custis & the girls send their remembrances & they are constantly beside their father day & night & have no time to write. It is fortunate Agnes did not stay with you. we could not well have got along without her. Excuse this great haste & with affectionate love to all our dear friends.
Yrs Mary Custis Lee
Agnes has written you by mail & enclosed 75cts for Mrs. Caskie
Source: Transcribed from photocopy of original letter, Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L51 g 11-13, Section 6, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 October 8
