CAMP, ORANGE COUNTY, April
24, 1864.
I received last night, my dear son, your letter of the 22d.
It has given me great comfort. God knows how I loved your dear, dear wife, how
sweet her memory is to me, and how I mourn her loss. My grief could not be
greater if you had been taken from me. You were both equally dear to me. My
heart is too full to speak on this subject, nor can I write. But my grief is
for ourselves, not for her. She is brighter and happier than ever — safe from
all evil, and awaiting us in her heavenly abode. May God in His mercy enable us
to join her in eternal praise to our Lord and Saviour. Let us humbly bow
ourselves before Him, and offer perpetual prayer for pardon and forgiveness.
But we cannot indulge in grief, however mournfully pleasing. Our country
demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination
now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we
have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left us
to live for. I have not heard what action has been taken by the Department in
reference to my recommendations concerning the organization of the cavalry. But
we have no time to wait, and you had better join your brigade. This week will
in all probability bring us active work, and we must strike fast and strong. My
whole trust is in God, and I am ready for whatever He may ordain. May He guide,
guard and strengthen us, is my constant prayer!
Your devoted father,
R. E. LEE.
GEN. WILLIAM F. LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 298-9
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