Fredericksburg

(Friday)

           

Dear Ma;

                                    Not hearing from Charlotte as I expected, & hoping before this reaches you, that she may be on her way to join me, I will do myself the pleasure of inditing this to you. I don't know what has come over my fair dame, but certainly of late, she has been very chary of yr her letters. So fearing some serious consequences from such a course, I have written to invite her to come up & pay me a visit—supposing that you would willingly take charge of her baby to house during her absence.

 

            I hope the dreadful reverses of our arms has not depressed you. I feel the same now as before & so far from causing a diminution of my ardor for the Cause they it have increased it. The whole people seem to be panic-stricken & each one vies with the other in attempting to circulate the most improbable report. I must say, as little as I thought of the Tennesseans, the / surrender of Nashville caps the chimes. Gen. Floyd & Genl Pillow I think ought to be shot for disgracefully leaving their commands. I fear if the charge of our armies is to be entrusted to such hands That we will suffer reverses still more serious.

 

            I have been looking very anxiously for news from Savannah. Col Walker has returned from his courting trip & from his looks I should judge that he had been successful. He says that he saw Pa & that his enquirers seemed very confident of being able to withstand any attack. I saw his name mentioned the other day, in conection with the position as Sec. of War. I trust he will not be appointed. If they would make him Commander in Chief I should like it but do not wish him wired up in any way with politics. I hope if Genl. Sherman intends attacking thus he will do it very soon & that he may get a good thrashing which he deserves.

 

            We have been about the same. little sickness, but few men in camp. Dr. Stuart came out to see me this morning before I was up. He / came up yesterday from Clydale left them all well. He went to Richmond on the train to-day & will return Monday or Tuesday. He is looking remarkably well.

 

            I am very anxious to see my baby, but am afraid for him to come here as there has been a good deal of scarlet fever.

 

            I dont know when I shall be able to see you. They are very much averse to giving furloughs & I do not like to ask for them. Shirley has been in Richmond for the last two weeks but has returned. He saw Annie & Agnes. Charlotte wrote me that Rob had your for Mildred. Tell him not to go to join a company but to stay at home & take care of you all.

 

            I enclose the 'List of Property' as far as I can remember. Get the number of horses mules &c from Mr Jeter & get him or Dr Macon to attach a value to them. I do not remember the exact number of acres (this is only for White House).

 

You must get what you think necessary for the [?].

 

            I received a letter from Papa some time since; He was very well & wrote in very good spirits. I intend answering it to-day. 

 

I see Mr Randolph occasionally. Mrs Bettie Gordon is living here with her mother They both ask about you whenever I see them.

 

I think that I have told you all the news. Shirley told me that Custis had not been in Richmond for some time

 

May God grant you his blessing to preserve you all is my earnest prayer

                                                                                   

Your aff. Son

W. H F Lee

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