Robert E. Lee to William D. Cabell

I have recd your letter of the 16 Inst; and as far as your plan for the establishment of a normal school is developed in the papers which accompanied it, it seems to bid fair to promote the good of the Country, and to advance the interests of Southern education.

Should you therefore think that my name on your list of references, or among the Trustees of the School, would aid in its accomplishment, you are at liberty to insert it.

I must however reserve the privilege when your scheme is matured & put into operation should I find that I could not be useful, or that my present duties would prevent my attention to those which may devolve upon me, to resign my position.

Wishing you every Success,

I am very resply

Your obt servt,

R E Lee

Mr. William D. Cabell