Washington College Va: 23 Novr 1869
The death of Profr Frank Preston, a distinguished graduate & late Asst: Profr of Greek in this college, has caused the deepest sorrow in the hearts of the Faculty and members of the Institution. Endowed with a mind of rare capacity which had been enriched by diligent study & careful cultivation, he stood among the first in the state in his pursuit in life. We who so long & intimately professed his acquaintance & so fully enjoyed the privilege of his companionship, feel specially his loss & grieve profoundly at his death: and we heartily sympathize with his parents and relations in their great affliction & truly participate in the deep sorrow that has befallen them.
With a view of testifying the esteem felt for his character and the respect due to his memory, all academic exercises will be suspended for the day: and the Faculty & students are requested to attend in their respective bodies his funeral services at the Presbyterian church at Eleven O’Clock to pay the last sad tribute of respect to his earthly remains while cherishing in their hearts his many virtues.
Profs White & Allan will make the necessary arrangements in behalf of the college.
R E Lee Pres
Source: Scan of original letter, The Papers of Robert E. Lee, 1830-1870, University of Virginia Special Collections, Charlottesville
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 December 7
