Robert E. Lee to Mary Anna Randolph Custis Lee, 1866 July 16

Lexington 16 July 1866

My dear Mary

I am glad to See by your letter of yesterday, that you are recovering so well from your fall. I hope you may soon be well again. I return Mr Caskie’s note to you, & enclose two letters that have arrived.

Caroline got up this mor^g. Left her daughter better. Says there is a very good girl in Lynchburg, from Genl Cocke’s¹ estate anxious to live with us. I shall have more Conversation with her & if satisfied will write for her by the boat to night. Her father is in Lynchburg & anxious for her to Come.

I have heard nothing from Markie. Tell Mrs Cabell I am sorry to have missed seeing her. Where is Katie? I wish she would send her to see me.

I will endeavour to find some one to Carry this to you. Love to all

Very aff^y & truly

R E Lee

1. Philip St. George Cocke (1809-1861), a Virginia planter who had plantations in Virginia and Mississippi. He committed suicide in late 1861. The “girl” Lee is talking about apparently was a young African American woman.