Lexington, Va., 29 Nov 1866
Mr Richard Henry Lee
Hopkinsville, Ky
My Dear Sir:
Appreciating the full force of the compliment offered me in your letter of the 20th inst., I must yet say that the remark of Washington Irving which you have quoted, correctly expresses my feelings on the subject. I can also add with truth, that I feel that I have no claim to such oblation, and have a general disinclination to be brought before the public without good and sufficient reason.
Having stated my preference, I will leave you to follow your own in this matter, which, if the verses are of the character you describe, resolves itself into a matter of taste.
Thanking you for your remembrance, and wishing you every success and happiness. I am very respectfully, yr. obdt Svt.
R E Lee
Source: Lee Family Papers, Mss1 L 51 c 738, p. 1, Section 43, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2018 January 10