Robert E. Lee to E. Fontaine

I rec - d this mor - g your letter of the 6th Inst: enclosing a slip from the Greenbrier Independent.

The editor of the Albemarle Chronicle had no authority from me for the remarks attributed to it, nor do I know on what grounds they were based.

As a citizen of Virginia & a wellwisher to the Country, I am exceedingly anxious that the Central railroad should be extended to the Ohio with all practicable expedition, & I know of no better means of obtaining the necessary funds, than by subscription of the Counties & Cities interested in its completion, & by loans of the general Company.

I do not see in what way I could aid the project

Very resp - y your Obt Servt

R E Lee

Col. E. Fontaine