Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to William Fitzhugh (Rooney) Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05979 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Camp Orange, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 April 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.4 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
General Lee offers condolence to his son Rooney on the death of his wife, Charlotte Wickham, from tuberculosis. Although Lee mourns her death, he maintains that "we cannot indulge in grief however mournful yet pleasing." Lee experienced a series of profound personal loss during the war; along with the death of his daughter-in-law, his daughter Annie and two of his grandchildren also died. But Lee's dedication to duty remained firm, and was demonstrated in his advice to his bereaved son. He urged Rooney to return to his brigade, reminding him that "Our Country demands all our thoughts, all our energies. To resist the powerful Combination now forming against us, will require every man at his place."
Camp Orange Co: 24 Apl '64
I recd last night My dear Son your letter of the 22nd. It has given me great Comfort. God knows how I loved your dear dear Wife, how Sweet her memory is to me, & how I mourn her loss. My grief Could not be greater if you had been taken from me. You were both equally dear to me. My heart is too full to Speak on this Subject, nor Can I write. But my grief is not for her, but for ourselves. She is brighter & happier than ever, Safe from all evil & awaiting us in
her Heavenly abode. May God in his Mercy enable [inserted: us] to join her in eternal praise to our Lord & Saviour. Let us humbly bow ourselves before Him & offer perpetual prayer for pardon & forgiveness!
But we Cannot indulge in grief however mournful yet pleasing. Our Country demands all our thoughts, all our energies. To resist the powerful Combination now forming against us, will require every man at his place. If victorious we have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated nothing will be left us to live for. I have not heard what action has been taken by the Dept in reference to my recommendations Concerning the organization [2] of the Cavy. But we have no time to wait & you had better join your brigade. This week will in all probability bring us active work & we must strike fast & strong. My whole trust is in God, & I am ready for whatever he may ordain. May he guide guard & Strengthen us is my Constant prayer!
Your devoted father
R E Lee
Genl Wm F. Lee
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