[n.d.]
I have long intended to write my dear Mrs Stribling & thank you for your kindness in sending me that little Book but I have been very sick for the last 4 weeks & only for a few days able to sit up so I could write with any comfort. Mr Powell was here this morning & has promised to return to tea & I take the opportunity of sending you a likeness of Genl Lee which we think good & which the artist has made a mourning carte - You must give much love to Ella & her dear little girl who Mary tells me is quite a beauty - I often think my dear Mrs S. of the visit I made you, & your great kindness & now I know that you all sympathise with me truly & sincerely It is a great alleviation of my women to know how many mourn with me & how many prayers have been offered for me & I have been wonderfully supported & even able to rejoice that my husband is now at rest in the Mansions of Heaven a rest he so much needed, that I would not recall him for my own selfish comfort tho' it is very lonely with out the strong arm & living heart on which I have leaned & trusted for so many years May all you love be spared to you many years is the prayer of
Your attached friend
Mary Custis Lee
Robert E. Lee Papers (064 collection)Leyburn Library