Camp Freds '63, 11 Jan.
I am delighted my dear Son at your Safe return
to
Richmond and to learn of your good health. Your letter
which I have just recd also strengthens my hope
of our
ability to hold the Misspi. God grant that the
integrity
of the Confederacy may be thus preserved. I hope you
will be able to do Something for the Servants. I executed
a deed of manumission, embracing all the names Sent
me by your mother & Some that I recollected, but as I had
nothing to refer to but my memory, I fear many are omitted.
It was my desire to manumit all the people of your
Grd father, whether present on the Several
estates or not. I
believe your mother only Sent me the names of those
present at the
White House &
Romankoke. Those
that have left with the enemy, may not require their
manumission. Still some may be found hereafter in the State,
& at any rate I wished to give a complete list & to liberate
all, to Show that your Grd Fathers wishes so
far as I was
Concerned had been fulfilled. Do you not think that
is the best Course? If you Can get the Complete list
you Can either have a deed drawn up embracing the
whole, or a Supplementary deed embracing those who
have been omitted, Stating they had been Carried from the
plantations from by the enemy. Mr.
Caskie says six men
have been Sent to Mr Eacho by Mr Chas:
Scott. viz Obediah,
George, Wesly, Henry,
Edward & Oscar. The latter may be
intended for Parks or Austin, but one of them is missing.
Can you ascertain which & where he is. Harrison was
hired to the Agent or Contractor on the Orange & Alexa
R. R.
& retain him till he & I can do better. You Can do the
Same with Billy. The rest that are hired out had better
be furnished with their free papers & be let go - But
what Can be done with those at the White House &
R___? Those at & about Arlington Can take Care of
themselves I hope, & I have no doubt but that all are
gone who desire to do So. At any rate I Can do nothing
for them now. I am glad to receive the account of Sales
of the Coupons. Those due on the 1st Inst, you Can retain
as long as you think proper. I heard of Mary the
other yester day by one of our Scouts. She was well, but no written
Communications Can pass between us now. Fitz
& Rob are well. I saw them on their return from
their last Scout. Their Camp, is some 25 miles from
me. I reviewed Fitz Lees brigade yesterday, & though
it was raining & they had marched 14 miles, they made
a very fine appearance & for their Size presented the
finest appearance of any cavl I have ever Seen. They
were all Comfortably clad. Their horses & Condition equip
-ments in good Condition & their exercises good. I
want to review Fitzhughs this day week, if Circumstances
permit. Your friends are all well & Send regards
Baldwin you know is with me now. Remember me
to all friends & believe me truly & devotedly
your father
Col. G. W. Custis Lee
[The following postscript begins on the bottom left corner of the page and runs up the right-hand margin][Postscript]
P.S. John A. Crockford (I think) hired Harrison. When I last heard of him, he was living near Orange Ct House.
Given by C. F. Adams. Feb 10, 1913.