Robert E. Lee to Charles Carter Lee

The day has been fixed & it is the 30th June, I can tell you I begin to feel right funny when I count my days, especially when I consider the novel situation in which I shall be placed. However Nym says "Things must be as they may & that's the certain of it" which is a good doctrine too - Can you come on to see it well done? But you must not put yourself to the least inconvenience on my account But as you talk of coming on in August perhaps, you may get through your business before - At any rate, try and come on before the end of July if possible, for as it is not expected of Engr Officers to be absent from their Posts when the Works are carried on, I only applied for a Furlough of one month now & will take some others in the Winter - I expect to leave here in the Potomac on the 29th & reach Alex. Thursday morning, go out to Arlington in the afternoon, dress etc - I am told there are to be six pretty Bridesmaids Misses Mason, Mary G. Marietta Angela, Julia & Brittania & you could have some fine Kissing - As you know what a fellow you are at these weddings. I got the other day the kindest letter from Cousin Anna you ever read, which of itself shows that she is much better, But I have since heard that She Miss Mary G. & Smith have gone down to Ackindale which is a greater Proof - Poor Anne is quite sick in Baltimore & though I do not know, I fear it is occasioned by her hand - How I do wish for money on many accounts but particularly that she might be able to spend the Summer on the Seashore, as I believe Bathing gives her more relief than any thing else - I spent a day at Shirley last week & saw there Uncle Wms. Bernard, Wms. Jr. Charles & sweet little Cousin Nancy Randolph - Sir Hill is just the same as ever, cursing, farming, low grounds etc. For he has been so unfortunate as to have his Embankments broken down by the Storm & his Corn crop entirely destroyed - & after mending up his dikes & replanting, It was attacked by a species of Worm that destroyed his whole field & at this late day he has not five stalks standing. Harvest is so near that he cannot replant - Cousin Mary is in quite precarious health & has entirely lost her appetite, in so much that she does not eat a single thing all day, saving a little Milk & Water in the morning. She looks very thin & badly at present, But I hope will recover from her trip to Fauquier - Uncle Wms says we must wind up our affairs this summer & is the Best person in the World - Bernard is going to Fauquier & then to Philadelphia - We are in grand preparation here for the reception of the President & eight Gentleman of his suite who are expected next Saturday & will spend some days over at the Rip Raps to enjoy the Sea Breeze etc. Maj. Eaton, Genl Macomb etc are of the Party - Shirley has gone home but was to return to Richmond in two weeks after he left it - Miss Ella has not got down, though is daily expected - Sweet Charles has had the Ague & Fever as also "his wife" But have now recovered & talks of taking her to Fauquier -

There is nothing new here & very cleverly hot - Visitors are beginning to arrive & every Boat & in the course of Time we shall have a plenty - I have not received my clothes yet & unless Frost has despatched them before this arrives, can you contrive to get them on by land, as the Sea is very uncertain & the time is short - I wish you had all the suits in N. York & money besides - So Good Bye & Believe me yours

as ever

R. E. Lee