CAMP FREDERICKSBURG, 3d
March, 1863.
I received today, my darling daughter, your letter of the
28th, and it has furnished me such pleasing thoughts. I am glad you are so well
and happy. Tell F. I know you "look very well," and more than that
you look beautiful, and that he must answer all your questions, and R. must
drive you out every day. You and that young bride must make fine company for
each other. Affording each other so much time for fruitful thought, and when
you do speak always on the same subject, your husbands. How deluded each must appear
to the other. As to Fitzhugh, the Misses H. need take no credit to themselves
for perceiving his condition. It is patent to all the world and requires no
Columbus to discover it. Tell him that he must look at you as much as he can,
for the spring is approaching and we have a great deal before us. I am glad you
have had this opportunity to be together, and hope the war with all its baneful
effects will always be removed far from you. It is strange though that nobody
writes to you now. You are both such good correspondents that I should think
you would be overwhelmed with letters. Your mama says neither of you ever write
to her. But I tell her it is the fault of the mails. Your poor mama has been a
great sufferer this winter. I have not been able to see her, and fear I shall
not. She talks of coming to Hickory Hill this month when the weather becomes
more fixed. We are up to our eyes in mud now, and have but little comfort. Mr.
Hooker looms very large over the river. Has two balloons up in the day and one
at night. I hope he is gratified at what he sees. Your cousin Fitz Lee beat up
his quarters the other day with about 400 of his cavalry and advanced within
four miles of Falmouth, carrying off 150 prisoners with their horses, arms,
etc. The day after he recrossed the Rappahannock they sent all their cavalry
after him, and even brought Sir Percy Wyndham and his three regiments from
Chantilly down upon him, but the bird had flown. It was reported that they
displayed 10,000 cavalry. I suppose half that number would be nearer the truth.
I hope these young Lees will always be too smart for the enemy. Kiss Fitzhugh
for me and give much love to Rob. I pray daily to our Heavenly Father to guard,
guide, and protect you all. Tell Fitzhugh I will not write to him this time. It
is so dark I can hardly see. I am obliged to him for his letter.
Your devoted papa,
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters
of Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 227-8
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