Mrs. M. B. Smith to Robert E. Lee

I have a son who I wish to send to the Institution over which you preside, at the earliest moment that my pecuniary means will warrant - I hope that you will send or have sent to me by return mail a catalogue & circular of your college. My son is now preparing himself in the rudimental branches of English. He is studious & I have every reason to believe that in a very short time he will be sufficiently versed in all the first & many of the second books in an English course, to qualify him for entering Washington College. Many here abouts are anxious to patronize the college over which you preside - The general scarcity of "greenbacks," however, being the insurmountable barrier to the realization of their wishes - Believe me Genl, to be Your sincere well-wisher

And obt Servant

Mrs M. B. Smith