Lee, Mary Custis (1808-1873) to Norvell Caskie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01440.01 Author/Creator: Lee, Mary Custis (1808-1873) Place Written: Lexington, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 October 1870 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Writes of her husband Robert E. Lee's sudden illness. "He has taken very suddenly & alarmingly ill after a day of rather harrassing mental fatigue but is now better & the Dr. gives us good hope he will soon be well again though he is still confined to his bed & indeed lies in our dining room where he was taken sick & we have been unable to move him up stairs..." Mentions that it has been raining for days and that floods have carried away bridges and people's winter supplies. Informs that there is a break on the Central railroad and many people visiting in town have been unable to leave. Discusses visitors they have had and mutual acquaintances. Mentions the whereabouts of her children, William Henry Fitzhugh and Robert Edward. Comforts Caskie on the death of her baby with sympathetic words. Written five days before Robert E. Lee's death. Recipient's name from text of letter as it is not addressed.
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