Lee, Robert E.

Autograph letter signed ("R E Lee"), 8 pages (5 x 8 in.; 126 x 203 mm),with last two lines, closing and signature cross-written, Arlington, 2 July 1859, to his son G.W. Custis Lee; light browning. Tan linen folding case, tan morocco spine, russet morocco lettering pieces.

Published in: J. William Jones, Life and Letters  of Robert E. Lee, 1906, pages 100-102.

 

 

 

An important letter from father to son. On extended leave occasioned by the death of his father-in-law, G. W. P. Custis, the adopted son of George Washington, Lee writes to his son Custis, an Army officer in San Francisco. The Custis home, Arlington, had been willed to Lee's wife and then pass on to her eldest son, the recipient of this letter, upon her demise. Robert E. Lee was the principal executor. Arlington had fallen into disrepair and Lee considered it his duty to attempt to make it self-sufficient again. Herewith he writes of his burdens while at Arlington. His wife's illness is of primary concern: "She has not made up her mind where to go this Summer, or what to do to try to relieve her from the rheumatism that still so perseveringly adheres to her." Lee then describes the improvements at Arlington: "They are very meagre, & only serve to ameliorate matters, that formerly were very rough & pressing. " He then explains it is because of financial woes he cannot do more: "I have not the means to do what I should like  . . . limited by considerations of economy & practicability. I have been able to do nothing to the grounds around the house except to clean up on the hill & have been obliged to  limit myself to what is most essential & promises  something for man & beast to eat . . . ." He continues his letter lamenting he has only "old men & boys" to help him and notes the New York Tribune has attacked him for his treatment of his father-in-law's slaves but he will not reply. He closes his letter stating his father-in-law "has left me an unpleasant legacy."