Lexington VA: 24 Jany '66

Revd & dear Sir

The subject of your letter of the 4th Ulto: has not been lost sight of. The Chair of Mental & Moral Philosophy in Washington College, will be filled at the general meeting of the Board of trustees, on the third thursday in April next. I have mentioned the claims of the Revd Joseph M. Atkinson of Raleigh, and of his brother, Pres: of Hambden Sydney, to members of the Board & Faculty, & am glad to find that they are both favorably known, & highly appreciated. I consider it of the greatest importance that this chair should be properly filled. The occupant should not only be a man of true piety, learning, & science; but should be so thoroughly imbued with the Heavenly principles of the blessed Gospel of Christ; as to make His Holy religion attractive to the young, to impress it upon their hearts, & to make them humble Christians. He should not only be free from bigotry, but clear of Sectarinism, & not a participator in Controversy; having for his whole object the teaching of wisdom, & the conversion of (page 2) all the students from sin to the religion of Christ, of whatever sect or denomination. I hope we shall be able to obtain such an one.
I was glad to hear that your dear family was improving in health. Remember me most kindly to Mrs Gibson, Miss May & your sons,
We are only tolerably well, Mrs Lee is suffering more at this time than usual. My sons still have returns of fever, & my daughters are not shiny.
I take great interest in the completion of your Church, & wish it was in my power to afford effective aid. I enclose a small sum in furtherance of the object; which must not consider as the measure of my sympathy in your labours, but of my ability to assist.
I am with great regard
truly yours

R E Lee

Revd Churchill S Gibson

Note in left margin of page 2 reads: Genl Robert E. Lee
Jany 1866