are given to the cause to which my life, be it long or short, will be
devoted. Tell her not to mind the reports she sees in the papers.
They are made to injure and occasion distrust. Those that know me
will not believe them. Those that do not will not care for them. I
laugh at them. Give love to all, and for yourself accept the constant
prayers and love of truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

It was thought best at this time to send General Lee to take command
of military operations in West Virginia. The ordinary difficulties
of a campaign in this country of mountains and bad roads were greatly
increased by incessant rains, sickness of all kinds amongst the new
troops, and the hostility of many of the inhabitants of the Southern
cause. My father's letters, which I will give here, tell of his trials
and troubles, and describe at the same time the beauty of the scenery
and some of the military movements.

About August 1st he started for his new command, and he writes to my
mother on his arrival at Huntersville, Pocahontas County, now West
Virginia:

"Huntersville, August 4, 1861.
"I reached here yesterday, dearest Mary, to visit this portion of the
army. The day after my arrival at Staunton, I set off for Monterey,
where the army of General Garnett's command is stationed. Two regiments
and a field-battery occupy the Alleghany Mountains in advance, about
thirty miles, and this division guards the road to Staunton. The
division here guards the road leading to the Warm Springs to Milboro
and Covington. Two regiments are advanced about twenty-eight miles