Petersburg 25 Jan 1865
My dear Colonel,
I appreciate the high compliment you pay me, in proposing to call your son after me. I would suggest for him a better name, that of his own father, whose virtues and merits I earnestly pray he may imitate, should he be able to attain them. He would enjoy the only happiness enjoyed by mortals, that of being beloved and useful. As it is known you desire to call your boy after me, unless too late you must name him Robert Edward Lee. I trust he may always be to his father and mother as now, and that he may realize in manhood all the hopes entertained in infancy by his friends--
With my kindest regards to Mrs Johnston and best wishes for your little boy. I am very truly
your friend
RE Lee
Col. S. R. Johnston
From the collection of Dave Batalo.
For more on this piece of correspondence, and on the relationship between Lee and Johnston, see
here.