Baltimore--Alexandria--A war-talk with Cousin Cassius
Lee--“Ravensworth”--Letter to Doctor Buckler declining invitation to
Europe--To General Cooper--To Mrs. Lee from the Hot Springs--Tired of
public places--Preference for country life
Judged by what he says of himself, my father’s trip South did him no
permanent good. The rest and change, the meeting with many old friends,
the great love and kindness shown him by all, gave him much pleasure,
and for a time it was thought he was better; but the main cause of his
troubles was not removed, though for a while held in check.
During the month of June he remained in Lexington, was present at the
final examinations of the college, and attended to all his duties as
usual. On July 1st he went to Baltimore in order to consult Dr. Thomas
H. Buckler about his health.
While there he stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Tagart.
My mother had returned to Lexington after her visit to “Bremo,” together
with my sister Agnes. To her, on July 2d, he writes:
“Baltimore, Maryland, July 2, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I reached her yesterday evening at 9:15 P. M. Found
Mr. Tagart at the depot waiting for me, where he had been since eight
o’clock, thanks to his having a punctual wife, who regulates everything
for him, so that he had plenty of time for reflection. I believe,
however, the delay was occasioned by change of schedule that day, of
which Mrs. Tagart was not advised. We arrived at Alexandria at 5:00 P.
M., and were taken to Washington and kept in the cars till 7:45, when we
were sent on. It was the hottest day I ever experienced, or I was in the
hottest position I ever occupied, both on board the packet and in the
railroad cars, or I was less able to stand it, for I never recollect
having suffered so much. Dr. Buckler came in to see me this morning, and
examined me, stripped, for two hours. He says he finds my lungs working
well, the action of the heart a little too much diffused, but nothing
to injure. He is inclined to think that my whole difficulty arises from
rheumatic excitement, both the first attack in front of Fredericksburg
and the second last winter. Says I appear to have a rheumatic
constitution, must guard against cold, keep out in the air, exercise,
etc., as the other physicians prescribe. He will see me again. In the
meantime, he has told me to try lemon-juice and watch the effect. I will
endeavour to get out to Washington Peter’s on the 4th and to Goodwood
as soon as Dr. B---- is satisfied. Mr. and Mrs. Tagart are very well and
send regards. The messenger is waiting to take this to the office. It
is raining, and I have not been out nor seen any one out of the house. I
hope all are well with you, and regret that I was obliged to come away.
Tell the girls I was so overcome that I could not get up this morning
till 8:00 A. M. Give much love to everybody, and believe me most truly,
“R. E. Lee.”
The advantages of early rising my father ever held out to his daughters,
so that he knew they would enjoy hearing of his being late in getting
down in the morning. During this visit to Baltimore he took advantage of
his proximity to many old friends to visit them.
His next letter is from Alexandria to my mother:
“Alexandria, Virginia, July 15, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I arrived here last evening from Goodwood, and was glad
to hear from Burke this morning that our Aunt Maria was as well as
usual. I wish to get out to Cassius Lee’s this afternoon, and will spend
to-morrow on the Hill in visiting General Cooper, Mr. Mason, the Bishop,
etc. [“Aunt M----” was Mrs. Fitzhugh of “Ravensworth,” and “Burke,” her
coloured servant; Cassius Lee, my father’s cousin; General S. S. Cooper,
Adj. General of the C. S. armies; Mr. J. M. Mason, Senator in U. S. and
C. S. Congress; the Bishop, Bishop Johns of Virginia, all at that
time living on the “Hill”--or Seminary Hill--about two miles from
Alexandria.] Next week I shall go to Ravensworth and from there think
I shall proceed to Lexington. It is so hot that I shall be obliged to
forego my visit to Nannie and the ‘White House.’ It is intensely hot
here and I am unable to bear the heat now. I took cold yesterday in the
cars or elsewhere and am full of pains this morning, and was unable to
sleep last night.
“I have seen Mr. Smith [Mr. Francis L. Smith was my father’s lawyer.
The matter referred to which caused the remark, “The prospect is not
promising,” was the chance of getting back the estate of Arlington from
the U. S. Government. Mr. Smith and Mr. Cassius Lee were my father’s
advisers in this matter. “Nannie” was the widow of Captain S. S. Lee, my
father’s brother.] this morning and had with him a long business
talk, and will see him again after seeing Cassius. The prospect is not
promising. I got your letter at Charles’s. Thank Agnes for hers. All
were well there and on West River, and sent you all messages of love. I
will give all particulars when we meet. I am at the Mansion House, where
it is piping hot. I had felt better until I caught fresh cold, but no
one can avoid it in such weather. Love to all. I cannot fix yet the day
of my return, but it will be the last week in July.
“I hope Custis has got off, though I shall not be able to see him.
“Most truly and affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
Mr. Cassius Lee was my father’s first cousin. They had been children
together, schoolmates in boyhood, and lifelong friends and neighbours.
He was my father’s trusted adviser in all business matters, and in him
he had the greatest confidence. Mr. Cazenove Lee, of Washington, D. C.,
his son, has kindly furnished me with some of his recollections of this
visit, which I give in his own words:
“It is greatly to be regretted that an accurate and full account of this
visit was not preserved, for the conversations during those two or three
days were most interesting and would have filled a volume. It was the
review of a lifetime by two old men. It is believed that General Lee
never talked after the war with as little reserve as on this occasion.
Only my father and two of his boys were present. I can remember his
telling my father of meeting Mr. Leary, their old teacher at the
Alexandria Academy, during his late visit to the South, which recalled
many incidents of their school life. They talked of the war, and he told
of the delay of Jackson in getting on McClellan’s flank, causing the
fight at Mechanicsville, which fight he said was unexpected, but was
necessary to prevent McClellan from entering Richmond, from the front of
which most of the troops had been moved. He thought that if Jackson
had been at Gettysburg he would have gained a victory, ‘for’ said he,
‘Jackson would have held the heights which Ewell took on the first
day.’ He said that Ewell was a fine officer, but would never take the
responsibility of exceeding his orders, and having been ordered to
Gettysburg, he would not go farther and hold the heights beyond the
town. I asked him which of the Federal generals he considered the
greatest, and he answered most emphatically ‘McClellan by all odds.’ He
was asked why he did not come to Washington after second Manassas.
“‘Because,’ he replied, ‘my men had nothing to eat,’ and pointing to
Fort Wade, in the rear of our home, he said, ‘I could not tell my men to
take that fort when they had had nothing to eat for three days. I went
to Maryland to feed my army.’
“This led to a statement of the mismanagement of the Confederate
Commissary Department, of which he gave numerous instances, and
mentioned his embarrassments in consequence. He was also very severe in
his criticism of the newspapers, and said that patriotism did not
seem to influence them in the least, that movements of the army were
published which frustrated their plans, and, as an instance, he told of
Longstreet’s being sent to the Western Army and the efforts that were
made to keep the movement secret, but to no purpose, the papers having
heralded it at once to friend and foe alike. I also remember his saying
that he advocated putting the negroes in the army, and the arguments he
advanced in favour of it. My father remarked at table one day that
he could not have starved in the Confederate service if he could have
gotten bread and milk.
“‘No,’ replied the General, ‘but frequently I could not get even that.’
“His love of children was most marked, and he never failed to show them
patient consideration. On the occasion of this visit, his answers to all
our boyish questions were given with as much detail and as readily as
if we had been the most important men in the community. Several years
before the war I remember that my sister, brother, and myself, all young
children, drove over to Arlington Mills, and that while going there
Colonel Lee rode up on a beautiful black horse. He impressed my childish
fancy then as the handsomest and finest horseman I had ever seen--the
beau-ideal of a soldier. Upon seeing us he at once stopped, spoke to
each of us, and took my sister, then about ten years of age, upon
his horse before him, and rode with us for two miles, telling her,
I remember, of his boy Robby, who had a pony, and who should be her
sweetheart. Often have I seen him on the road or street or elsewhere,
and though I was ‘only a boy,’ he always stopped and had something
pleasant to say to me.”
The Mr. Leary mentioned here was my father’s teacher when a boy in
Alexandria. His regard and esteem for him was very high, as is shown in
the following letter:
“Lexington, Virginia, December 15, 1866.
“Mr. Wm. B. Leary.
“My Dear Sir: Your visit has recalled to me years long since passed,
when I was under your tuition and received daily your instruction. In
parting from you, I beg to express the gratitude I have felt all my
life for the affectionate fidelity which characterised your teaching and
conduct toward me. Should any of my friends, wherever your lot may be
cast, desire to know your qualifications as a teacher, I hope you will
refer them to me; for that is a subject on which I can speak knowingly
and from experience. Wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity, I
am, affectionately,
“Your friend,
“R. E. Lee.”
His next letter is from “Ravensworth,” where he went after his visit to
the “Seminary Hill:”
“Ravensworth, Virginia, July 20, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I arrived here yesterday from Alexandria and found Aunt
Maria well in general health, but less free to walk than when I last saw
her. She is cheerful and quiet, but seems indisposed to try any of the
healing baths, or, indeed, any of the remedies resorted to in cases of
similar character, and seems to think nothing will be of avail. I hope
in time that she will be relieved. Her niece, Mrs. Goldsborough, the
daughter of her sister Wilhelmina, is with her. She seems to be a nice
little lady--has a big boy of eight months, and is expecting her husband
to-morrow, so nothing need be said more on her account. Mr. Dickens was
over last evening, and reports all well with him. All the family are
to be over this evening, so I cannot say more of them. Ravensworth is
looking very well--I mean the house and grounds, but little of the farm
seems to be cultivated, and is growing up with pines. I received your
letter directed to Alexandria after my return from my visit to Cassius,
also Colonel Williamson’s. Resolutions will not build the church. It
will require money. Mr. Smith did not give so favourable an account of
Mr. Price as did Mr. Green. I did not see Mr. P----, for it would have
been of no avail without having the plans, etc., and I cannot wait
here to receive them. I shall have to send them, or to invite him to
Lexington after my return. I propose to leave here, if nothing prevents,
on Monday, 25th inst. If I go by Goshen, I hope to reach Lexington that
night, or Tuesday morning after breakfast. I have heard a rumour that
the water has been withdrawn from the canal above Lynchburg for the
purpose of repairs. If that is so, I shall have to go by Goshen. My cold
continues, but is better. The weather is very hot and to me is almost
insupportable. At 6:00 P. M. yesterday, the thermometer in Ravensworth
hall marked 86 degrees. This morning, when I first went out, it stood at
84 degrees. Thank Agnes for her letter. I cannot respond at this time.
The letter you forwarded from Mrs. Podestad describes the sickness her
children have passed through. She is now with them at Capon, and Miss
Emily has gone to visit Mrs. Barksdale in Greenbrier. Mrs. P---- says
she will be ready to visit you any time after the middle of August
that you will notify her. I am glad all are well with you, and hope the
garden will give you some vegetables. I am anxious to get back and see
you all. Give much love to the girls, including the Misses Selden. Tell
them they must not leave till I return, that I am hurrying back as fast
as rheumatism will let me. I have abandoned my visit to Nannie and the
boys on the Pamunkey. Tell them it is too hot and that I am too painful.
Aunt M---- sends love to all. Remember me to all friends. I must leave
details till I return.
“Most truly and affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
The building of the church here referenced to was the Episcopal church
in Lexington, which it was proposed to take down and replace with a
larger and better building. My father was a vestryman, and also a member
of the building committee.
Dr. Buckler, whom my father had consulted in July, was at this time on a
visit to Baltimore, having lived abroad with his family since 1866. When
about to return to Paris he wrote and asked my father to accompany him.
This invitation he was obliged to decline.
“Lexington, Virginia, August 5, 1870.
“My Dear Doctor: I have just received your letter of the 4th inviting me
to accompany you across the Atlantic, and I return you my cordial thanks
for your kind solicitation for my health and comfort. There is no one
whom I would prefer to have as a companion on the voyage, nor is there
one, I am sure, who would take better care of me. But I cannot impose
myself upon you. I have given you sufficient trouble already, and you
must cure me on this side of the Atlantic. If you are the man I take you
for, you will do so. You must present my warmest thanks to your wife
for her remembrance of me and her kind offer of the hospitalities of her
house. Should I ever be able to visit Europe I shall certainly accept
them, but I hope she will soon return to this country and that you will
bring her up to the mountains to us. We are all peaceable here now and
she will find that we are not as bad as we have been reported to be,
and every one will extend to her a hearty welcome, whereas Europe is now
convulsed with the horrors of war or the agony of its expectancy, and
I fear for a season is destined to feel the greatest calamity that
can befall a people. I am pursuing your directions and hope that I am
deriving benefit from them. I have made my arrangements to visit the Hot
Springs, Virginia, on Monday next, as you recommended, and trust I may
find relief from them. My rheumatic pains continue, but have diminished,
and that in my shoulder, I think, has lessened under the application of
the blister. I shall endeavour to be well by the fall. The letter you
inclosed to me was from Mrs. Smith on the Hudson--and not from Mr.
Henry White, as you supposed. Good-bye, my dear doctor; may you have a
prosperous voyage and find your family all well on your arrival, and may
your own health be entirely restored. My family unite with me in every
kind wish, and I am most truly,
“Your friend,
“R. E. Lee.
“Dr. Thomas H. Buckler.”
This letter to General Cooper (Adjutant General of the Confederate
States Army), written at this time, explains itself, and is one of many
witnesses of my father’s delicate consideration for old soldiers in
distress:
“Lexington, Virginia, August 4, 1870.
“General S. Cooper, Alexandria, Virginia.
“My Dear General: Impressed, with all the people of the South, with
your merits and services, I have with them admired your manly efforts
to support your family, and have regretted that more remunerative
occupation, better suited to your capacities and former habits, had not
presented itself. This has been a subject of conversation with some
of us here, and when in Savannah last spring I presented it to General
Lawton, Colonel Cole, and others, and suggested that efforts be made
to raise a sum for the relief of any pressing necessity. The idea was
cordially adopted, and it was hoped that an amount would be contributed
that would enable you to receive some relaxation. I have received
a letter from General Lawton regretting the smallness of the sum
collected, $300, and explaining the delay that had occurred, the general
poverty of the people, the many calls upon them, and the disposition to
procrastinate when facts are not known to them personally. To this sum I
have only been able to add $100, but I hope it may enable you to supply
some immediate want and prevent you from taxing your strength too
much. You must also pardon me for my moving in this matter, and for
the foregoing explanation, which I feel obliged to make that you might
understand the subject.
“With my best wishes for your health and happiness and for the useful
prolongation of your honourable life, I am, with true regard,
“Your friend and servant,
“R. E. Lee.”
He remained at Lexington only for a short time, as it was decided that
he should go to the Hot Springs, Virginia, where he could try their
famous waters for his rheumatism. On the day of his arrival he writes to
my mother:
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 10, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: We reached here this morning about 9:30 A. M., Captain
White and I, after as pleasant a journey as we could have expected.
After taking the cars at Goshen, the old route by Milboro’ rose up so
strong before me that we determined to adhere to it. Reached the Bath
Alum about 4:00 P. M., where we passed the night and were in luck in
finding several schools or parts of them rusticating on alum-water. Mrs.
Heath was in charge of the detachment from Dr. Phillips’s [a well known
girl’s school at Staunton]. They presented a gay and happy appearance.
This morning we breakfasted at the Warm and had the attention of
Richard. There is a small party there, Admiral Louis Goldsborough and
his wife and Miss West amongst them. Here thee is quite a company. Mrs.
Lemmon from Baltimore, her daughter Mrs. Dobbin, Mrs. General Walker,
wife of the ex-Secretary of War of the Confederacy, Mrs. and Miss.
Sivent, etc., etc.
“Dr. and Mrs. Cabell are here, and the Tandys and Mrs. Mac regret that
you are not with me...I saw Mrs. Maise at the Warm, and her sister from
Kentucky, Mrs. Tate. Rev. Mr. Mason and the Daingerfields have a girls’
school in the village. The Warm seems to be retrograding. I hope the new
man, Edward, has arrived. Tell him to take good care of the cow, and
ask the girls to see to it and the garden, etc. I saw Mrs. Caskie at the
Baths. She looks very well. Her niece, Gay, is with her, a pretty child.
Mrs. Myers and her children are also there. Mrs. Asher also. Small
company, but select. All pleased with Mr. Brown [the manager of the
hotel]. Tell the girls I have no one to rub me now. Shall miss them in
this and other ways much. Dr. Cabell says I must continue my medicines
and commence with the hot spout to-morrow. He has great confidence in
the waters, and says that 95 out of 100 patients that he has treated
have recovered. I shall alternate the spout with the boiler. But he says
the great error is that people become impatient and do not stay long
enough. I hope I may be benefited, but it is a tedious prospect. I hope
that you all will continue well. If you wish to go to the Baths, or
to come here, you must do so and write me what you want, if there
is anything I can do or get for you. Give love to all the girls and
remembrances to all friends. Tell our neighbours that I was so occupied
the last days I was in Lexington that I had not time to bid them adieu.
If you want more money let me know. God bless you and preserve you all.
Good-bye, dear Mary.
“Most truly,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. M. C. Lee.”
The Richard mentioned had been lately his house servant at Lexington,
and Edward was a new man he had engaged for the garden and stable.
The letters written to my mother and others of his family from the Hot
Springs at this time were frequent, and I give them in full, as they
tell all we know now of his visit there:
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 14, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I received this morning the last letters forwarded by
you. The first batch arrived yesterday. I am glad to hear that you all
continue well. I hope my letter of the 10th, announcing my arrival, has
reached you. It should have done so, it seems to me, previously to your
note of Friday. I have but little more to say than I had them. I have
taken four baths, Hot Spout, which seems to agree with me very well,
but it is too soon yet to look for results. I receive the water on my
shoulder, back, and chest. The sensation is pleasant, and so far I have
succeeded in preventing taking cold. The atmosphere, however, is damp,
and temperature variable. When the sun shines, it is hot; but when
it rains, which is the usual condition of the weather, the former
the exception, it is cool. Mrs. Sledge and party are here, the former
improved. She was much better, went over to the White and Sweet,
retrograded, and returned. Will stay here September. Many of our
invalids are improving. Society has a rather solemn appearance, and
conversation runs mostly on personal ailments, baths, and damp weather.
There were some pretty tableaux last evening. The Misses Tardy, Mrs.
Dobbin, and the little girls, the performers. Mr. Washington [William
Washington, a well known painter of that day, who was for a short time
professor of painting and drawing at the Virginia Military Institute at
Lexington] is here. He looks well, is quiet, and has been copying points
of scenery in the neighbourhood. I do not know whether he was in search
of health or the picturesque. The latter is more easily found in these
mountains than the former. Captain White is well and sends remembrances
to all. I hope Edward has arrived and is an improvement on the present
occupant of the situation. If he does not present himself, retain Henry
till I come. I will endeavour to find some one. You do not mention
the cow; she is of more interest to me than the cats, and is equally
destructive of rats. I am glad the girls are well; what are they
troubling about now? I wish they were with me. I find many ladies here
for neuralgia. Mrs. General Walker has been much benefited, also others.
If little Agnes should desire to try the effects of the waters, tell
her to come on, I will take care of her. I suppose Tabb will go with her
husband. I am sorry Fitzhugh is complaining. I have written to Rob and
Miss Lottie [Miss Charlotte Haxall, afterward Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Jr.,
who died in 1872]. I heard of Charles Carter’s [Charles Carter, of
“Goodwood,” Maryland, was my father’s first cousin. Mildred and Ella,
two of his daughters] passing up the road to the White, and Mildred
preceded him a week. Ella, I hear, is much improved. I shall not go to
the White unless specially called by something now unknown, but will
remain here till the end of the month, if I find it profitable, and then
return to Lexington. I hope the college is prospering. What does Mrs.
Podestad say? I understand that Markie Peter [Mrs. Peter was a near
cousin of my mother, and with her as a little girl our associations had
been very near] and child are occupying her old quarters at the Lomaxes
near Warrenton. I have a merry time with my old cronies, tell Mildred.
I am getting too heavy for them now. They soon drop me. I am getting
uneasy about Edward and Blanche. The reverses of the French, which seem
to be light, appear to have demoralised the nation. May God help all
in affliction and keep and guard you and all with you, is my constant
prayer.
“Truly and affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. M. C. Lee.”
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 19, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I received this morning your letters of the 14th and
18th, inclosing Dr. Buckler’s, and was informed by Colonel Turner that
he had brough the package to which you referred. He has not yet sent it
to me, but, no doubt, will in time. I am sorry that Edward has not kept
his engagement, for I liked his appearance and recommendations, though
perhaps they are deceptive. You had better retain Harry till I come,
unless you fall in with a better. I am glad that you are all well. You
have such industrious little daughters that I am sure all will go well.
Thank Agnes for her letter and say to her that I have not seen Mr.
Vanmeter or Blair, but gave the letter to the former to Colonel White,
who will send it to him when he finds out his position. Mr. Thom arrived
this morning and Mr. John Jones and family rode over from the Healing.
They are there for a sick child. My old friend, Dr. Broaddus, and the
Reverend Mr. Jones also presented themselves.... I have been trying
the Boiler for four days--and the Spout the five preceding. I do not
perceive any benefit yet, though some little change in the seat of my
pains. I will continue till the middle of next week, the 29th, when,
if no decided improvement takes place, I think of going over to the
Healing. Dr. Houston thinks that it will be beneficial, whereas, Dr.
Cabell recommends this. I am obliged to be in Staunton on the 30th ult.
to attend a meeting of the Valley Railroad Company, so I shall leave
here on the 29th for that purpose. After getting through with that
business, I shall return to Lexington. I am sorry that I shall be called
away, but I fear my stay here would be of no avail. Colonel White is
well and sends regards to all. I am glad that the cow is better. She
stands next in my affections to Traveller.... I hope that Agnes’s
neuralgia is better, and as she has not accepted my proposition I
presume she declines. Hot bathing is not agreeable to me either in its
operations or effects, but I see daily evidences of its good results on
others. I wish that it suited your case. You must try and get some one
in Sally’s place if Tabb, etc., come, and make them all comfortable. If
you want more money, let me know in time. Send over to Mr. Leyburn for
the flour, when you want it. Mr. Bowie, I suspect, can arrange it for
you. I fear Captain Brooks’s house will not be ready for occupancy this
fall. I hope that General Smith will begin Custis’s in time. I heard of
him on his way to Edward Cocke’s the other day. Mr. Washington is still
here. Better, I think. Again love to all.
“Most truly and affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“P.S.--Mr. Turner has just sent me the package.
“R. E. L.”
To his son Fitzhugh, who was at the “White House” with his family:
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 20, 1870.
“My Dear Fitzhugh: I am very sorry to learn from your letter of the
18th, received this morning, that Tabb is sick. I hope that it will
be of short duration and that she will soon throw off the chills.
The mountain doctors, however, do not understand them as well as the
lowland, and are apt to resort to the old practice. I wish that I could
get to the White to see you, but my time is too limited, owing to the
late day that I was able to leave Lexington. I propose staying here
till the 29th inst., which will only make my sojourn here two and a
half weeks, and then going to Staunton, where I am obliged to attend a
meeting of the Valley Railroad Company on the 30th. I hope that I shall
not be detained there longer than a day or two, when I will return to
Lexington, where I hope to find you all. You must tell Mr. and Mrs.
Podestad, Mr. Carter, Ella, etc., how sorry I am not to see them at the
White, but that I hope they will call at Lexington. I wrote to Ella on
my first arrival here, but presume my letter failed to reach her.
You did not mention how her health was. I am much concerned at Tabb’s
indisposition, but am glad to hear that the baby is well. Give my love
to both, and I trust you will all be benefited by the mountain air. My
personal health is good, but I see no change in my rheumatic attack,
which is principally confined to my chest and back. I inclose a note
from your mother, transmitted on the supposition that I would write to
you. Professor White is with me and I have some few acquaintances, but I
am anxious to return. I am glad that Bertus has had a short visit to
the Orange. He says that he will come to Rockbridge in September. Custis
will be there by the first, and we shall all, I hope, be together again.
“Affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.”
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 23, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I have received your various notes of the 17th and 18th,
and I am glad to hear of your well-being. Our good cow will be a loss to
us, but her troubles are all over now, and I am grateful to her for what
she has done for us. I hope that we did our duty to her. I have written
to Mr. Andrew Cameron to inquire about a young cow he has of mine, and
asked him to let you know if she is giving milk. If his report is good,
you had better send for her. She is, however, young, and will require
very gentle treatment. Caution Henry on that point. I have told him, Mr.
C----, also, that you would send for the horses, which I wish you would
do as soon as you can see that they will be properly cared for. Tell
Henry to be particularly gentle and kind to them, or the gray will give
him great trouble. He must wash them clean, and not pull out their manes
and tails. The girls will have to exercise them till Custis comes. I
suppose we may give up expecting Edward. Retain Henry till you can find
someone better. You had also better engage some woman or man for a month
as a dining-room servant. I think Easter has not intention of coming to
us before October, and she will not come then if Mr.---- can keep her.
You will have so many friends staying with you that you cannot make them
comfortable unless you have more servants. As I stated in a previous
letter, I shall go to Staunton on the 29th. I hope I shall be detained
but a few days. Lest your funds may run low, I send you a check.... The
girls can get it cashed. I may be detained, but I hope to return in time
to see our children and friends. I have been here a fortnight to-day. I
hope that I am better, but am aware of no material change, except that
I am weaker. I am very anxious to get back. It is very wearying at these
public places and the benefit hardly worth the cost. I do not think I
can even stand Lexington long. Colonels Allan and Johnston [Professors
Wm. Allan and William Preston Johnston of Washington College. The former
afterward principal of the McDonough School, near Baltimore, Maryland;
the latter president of Tulane University, New Orleans] arrived this
evening on horseback and have given me all Lexington news. Mr. Sledge
and his wife, from Huntsville, brother of the Colonel, also arrived, and
a Mr. and Mrs. Leeds, from New Orleans, with ten children, mostly little
girls. The latter are a great addition to my comfort. I have written
to Fitzhugh and Mrs. Podestad. Robert, you know, said he would make his
annual visit the first week in September. Tell the girls they must make
preparations to welcome all. Mrs. Walker, wife of the former Secretary
of War in the Confederacy, is here with her son, whom she says she is
anxious to place in the college, and wishes to visit Lexington with that
view. I have offered my escort and invited her to stay with us. I do not
know whether she will go with me. The girls will have to prepare my room
for some of the visitors, and put me anywhere. I can be very comfortable
in the library. Tell the little creatures they must work like beavers
and get a supply of eggs and chickens. Recollect there is flour at
Leyburn’s mill when you want it. Thank Mildred for her letter. Remember
me to all, and believe me,
“Always yours affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. M. C. Lee.
“P.S.--I send you an order for the horses. Tell Henry to take with him
a bridle and halter. You must write for the cow if you want her. R. E.
Lee.”
Mr. Andrew Cameron owned a fine farm near Lexington, and kindly took
care of my father’s horses when he was away in the summer; also at
different times supplied him with a cow and took care of any calf, if
there happened to be one, till it was of service. My father constantly
rode out to see him, and enjoyed talking farming as they rode together
over his fields. His delight in every aspect of Nature was real and
ever present. These letters show, too, his care and consideration for
animals.
His letter to his daughter Agnes is in lighter vein. His playful moods,
so usual with his children, never entirely left him.
“Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia, August 23, 1870.
“My Dear Agnes: I have received both of your letters, the last the 17th,
and thank you for them as well as for your care of my room and clothes.
The former I understand is used for a multiplicity of purposes, and the
cats and kittens have the full run of my establishment. Guard me against
‘MISS SELDEN’ [Mildred’s kitten], I pray you. I am sorry that you are
not with me, as it possibly may have benefitted your neuralgia. But if
MISS BELLE is with you, I am sure she will be of greater service, and
tell her she must remain till I come, that she may cure me. That you may
have some other inducements than your flowers and weeds to take you out
of doors, I will write to your mother and send for the horses as soon
as she can make arrangements to have them cared for, and then you and
Mildred and Miss Belle, the one on Traveller, the other on Lucy, can
scour the country and keep us in eggs and chickens. I am sorry for the
death of our good cow, but glad that she is out of misery.... I do not
think any of your friends are here. Mr. Washington has been vibrating
between this place and the Healing, but does not seem to be well. Miss
Alman, from Salem, Massachusetts, whom you may recollect as having
been at the White last summer, is here with her father and mother. Miss
Mollie Jourdan left to-day, and Colonel Robert Preston arrived. The
Chestnuts and Le Verts are still here. I hope that you are well and that
all is well with you. When Custis comes, ask him to see to the horses
and the cow and that they are gently treated and properly fed. I know
nothing of Henry’s capacity in that way. I hope to be home next week and
am very anxious to get back.
“Your father,
“R. E. Lee.”