Robert E. Lee to Joseph S. Topham & Co.

I recd this inst your letter of the 18th ulto: Your remarks as to the advantages of the early publication of the work I propose, are entirely correct. But there are obstacles in the way which time can only remove. I shall endeavor to complete it as soon as possible.

I am very much obliged to you for your offer to publish the work, & for the interest you have taken in the matter. Your mode of publication seems to possess advantages, but I find now I ought to have informed you in my former letter, that soon after the cessation of hostilities, Mr Richardson of New York called on me in Richmond & made to me such proposals, that in the event of my completion, the work I feel that I ought to first offer it to him for publication.

With great respect Your obt servt

R E Lee