Wash. 18th May 1837
My dear Squire
Your choice effusions are always before
me. Do not think that any delay in my responses proceed from
forgetfulness. I abhor the sight of pen and paper and to put
one to the other reqyuires as great a moral effort as for a cat
to walk on live coals. I send the documents as you request.
Your remembrances have all been scattered in the direction prescribed
and are relied to in the warmest manner. You are aware that the
Genl & Miss Tub(?) are in St. Louis and that I expect to start
for the same place on his return_ - Who is to be my fortunate
successor I do not know nor have I inquired. I only know that
I am to go. Miss Matilda Bache is to be here this Nv(?) to her
brother George's wedding, who is to be married on Tuesday next
to Miss Patterson - I am to engage a little in that kind of business
tonight myself and am to witness the tying of the knot between
Dr King of the Army and Miss Vga Price of Alexd - Miss Rippy they
say is mortgaged to a young French Count-, Mrs __?__ of the F.
Leg-. He seems to be a clever and interestesting young man -
and if she is satisified I am, you should young man have done
wrong to be thus cut out. - Miss Lizzy B. I almost see daily cultivating
her flowers. You perhaps know that we have vacated our old qrs.
and hang out our sign over the Cabinet Shop. So that we now take
Miss Lizzy in flank - Read the papers my friend and you will see
all the news - Remember me to Mason, the Col TC - Your man Morellius
in Carolina is going to resign.
In all haste
Your friend
R E Lee
Address
On reverse:
LT R. E. Lee
Corps of Engrs
Washington
May 18, 1837
Cullern
Va