January 19, 1862
I have just returned from a visit to the coast as far as
Fernandina. Our defenses are growing stronger, but progress slowly. The
volunteers dislike work and there is much sickness among them besides. Guns too
are required, ammunition, and more men. Still, on the whole, matters are
encouraging and if the enemy does not approach in overwhelming numbers, we
ought to hold our ground. He is quiescent still. What he is preparing for or
when he will strike I cannot discover. His numerous boats cut off all
communications with the islands, where he hides himself, and his works. I saw
in Fernandina Miss Matilda. I fear she is out with me. She had written me
another tremendous long letter, which I had never been able to read, and it
seems she wanted some companies placed near her at old Fort Carlos, which I
could not do. I was also at Dungeness. The garden was beautiful. Filled with
roses, etc., which had not so far been touched with frost this winter. The
place is deserted. Mrs. N. and her daughters occupy a log cabin in the pines
near Thebeanville, junction of Brunswick and S. & Gulf R. R's. Mr. N. is on
the St. Mary's. Every one on the coast has suffered, but they bear it manfully.
No civilized nation within my knowledge has ever carried on war as the U. S.
Govt, has against us. I saw good old Mrs. Mackay, the young Stiles, etc., in S.
Everybody inquired kindly for you. Ives is in S. helping Echols lay out
intrenchments around the city. Give much love to all friends, your mother,
etc., and believe me always,
Your affectionate
father,
R. E. LEE.
COL. G. W. CUSTIS LEE.
SOURCES: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 158
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