GLC05979
Robert E. Lee to William Fitzhugh (Rooney) Lee
Camp Orange, Virginia, 24 April 1864.
Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.
Camp Orange Co: 24 Apl '64
I rec
d
last night My dear Son your letter of the 22
nd
. It has given me great Comfort.
God knows how I loved your dear dear Wife, how Sweet her memory is to me, & how I mourn
her loss. My grief Could not be greater if you had been taken from me. You were both equally
dear to me. My heart is to full to Speak on this Subject, nor Can I write. But my grief is not for
her, but for ourselves. She is brighter & happier than ever, Safe from all evil & awaiting us in
us
her Heavenly abode. May God in his Mercy enable T to join her in eternal praise to our Lord &
Saviour. Let us humbly bow ourselves before Him & offer perpetual prayer for pardon &
forgiveness!
But we Cannot indulge in grief however mournful yet pleasing. Our Country demands
all our thoughts, all our energies. To resist the powerful Combination now forming against us,
will require every man at his place. If victorious we have everything to hope for in the future. If
defeated nothing will be left us to live for. I have not heard what action has been taken by the
Dept in reference to my recommendations Concerning the organization [2] of the Cav
y
. But we
have no time to wait & you had better join your brigade. This week will in all probability bring
us active work & we must strike fast & strong. My whole trust is in God, & I am ready for
whatever he may ordain. May he guide guard & Strengthen us is my Constant prayer!
Your devoted father
R E.Lee
Genl W
m
. F. Lee
