Private Richland Oct 24. 1877
My dr Charlie -
I have recd an official letter from M. B. Harlan City Treas: as to inheritance tax upon personal property under the liability as Executor etc
I suppose he has written to you too -
I have had or am having the whole matter looked into by counsel & if there is any defensible ground such as length time elapsing, the commission of 1874 having closed & settled up his accounts - no notice & etc etc I am not prepared to say I will not stand upon it - You & yours just escaped this tax - as to the 30t April 1874 an act was passed which did not except nephews & nieces or even mothers - I am told that Custis Rooney etc are all liable as the law stands, because their mother Mrs Lee <illegible> a niece died before Mrs F., there was then <illegible> no niece in the matter in question, but Custis, Rooney, etc inherited & employed the property direct. Look into this & let me have your advice & opinion &
I am yours very truly
Fitzhugh Lee
Lee-Jackson CollectionLeyburn Library