Wednesday, May 21, 2014

General Robert E. Lee to Mrs. Julia E. Haskins Meade, August 9, 1862

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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