Lee, Mary Custis (1835-1918) to Mrs. M. E. Boswell
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04020 Author/Creator: Lee, Mary Custis (1835-1918) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 January 1865 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 12.5 x 19.5 cm Order a Copy
Thanks her for her New Year's present which was some sort of cooked fowl. Remarks, "General Lee is in town and if he leaves before we can enjoy it together I shall insist upon his taking it to camp." Comments on "the dear old church where we and our forefathers have so long worshiped" in Alexandria. States that Lee is anxious to have every man in the field. Discusses the liberal contributions made for the soldiers. Asks her to come visit if ever in Richmond and give her address as Franklin Street between 7th and 8th. Addressed to Boswell at the Wilderness, Columbia, Fluvanna County, Virginia.
This was General Robert E. Lee's last visit home before he surrendered at Appomattox 9 April 1865.
January 2d. 1865
Your new year's present was handed into me this morning my dear Mrs. Boswell. I assure you called forth the most unqualified admiration I have seen no specimen of that delicious fowl that will compare with yours; it does credit to your housekeeping. Genl Lee is in town & if he leaves before we can enjoy it together I shall insist upon his taking it to camp. He unites with me cordial thanks [2] & a response to your wishes for a happy thanksgiving in Alexa. in the dear old church where we & our forefathers have so long worshipped. I received since my return here a long letter from Mr. Dana brought me by one of his parishioners who tells me that he is much liked & appreciated that he has a little son 2 years old the image of his papa.& that the Madam keeps herself quiet & is an industrious housekeeper [3] that they are quite comfortable Mr. Dana enquires most kindly after all his old friends & writes most affectionately - Genl Lee looks very well but is anxious to have every man in the field I hope the soldiers are enjoying their dinner today The contributions have been very liberal & great efforts have been made to assure its complete success & has exhausted the market here of everything but we are very willing to relinquish in their favour. I am sorry [4] to tell you that my rheumatism is no better tho' my general health was much improved by my sojourn in Fluvanna. I shall always remember it with great pleasure I hope if you or any of your family visit Richmond you will certainly call & see me we are on Franklin Street between 7th & 8th & I am always at home
The girls write with me in kind remembrances
yrs most truly
M C Lee
[address]
Mrs. M. E. Boswell
The Wilderness
Columbia
Fluvanna County
Va
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.