HEADQUARTERS ARMY
NORTHERN VIGINIA,
August 9, 1862.
MY DEAR MADAM:
It is fitting that I should sorrow with you in the untimely
death of your gallant son. In him our country has lost a most accomplished,
brave, and skilful officer, who bade fair to serve her in the highest ranks of
the profession. In the campaign of the Peninsula he devoted himself to his work
with distinguished zeal and intelligence. Under my own eye he had labored with
untiring energy, and performed invaluable service in the field. During the
eventful week of the battles on the Chickahominy he distinguished himself by
his bravery, making bold and skilful reconnaissances which contributed much to
the success of our arms. It was his incessant labor and great exposure during
that week, alas! which proved fatal to this noble young patriot. May the God of
the widow and the fatherless give consolation to his mother and orphan sisters
in this great sorrow.
I am most
respectfully yours,
R. E. LEE.
MRS. R. K. MEADE.
SOURCES: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 472
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