love and kindest remembrances, and had I known in time yesterday I
should have sent expressly for you to come up. But I did not know
of his wish or condition till after the departure of the cars yesterday.
Between 6 and 7 P. M. yesterday he sent for me, said he wished to
bid me good-bye, and to give me his blessing, which he did in the
most affecting manner. Called me Robert and reverted to the time
I used to say the catechism to him. He invoked the blessing of God
upon me and the country. He spoke with difficulty and pain, but was
perfectly calm and clear. His hand was then cold and pulseless, yet
he shook mine warmly. 'I ne'er shall look upon his like again.' He
died during the night. I presume the papers of to-morrow will tell
you all....

"Very truly and sincerely,

"R. E. Lee."

The next day he again writes to my mother.

"Richmond, March 15, 1861.

"My Dear Mary: I wrote you yesterday by mail. On returning to my
quarters last night after 11 P. M. Custis informed me Robert had
arrived and had made up his mind to go into the army. He stayed at
the Spottswood, and this morning I went with him to get his overcoat,
blankets, etc. There is great difficulty in procuring what is good.
They all have to be made, and he has gone to the office of the adjutant-
general of Virginia to engage in the service. God grant it may be
for his good as He has permitted it. I must be resigned. I told him
of the exemption granted by the Secretary of War to the professors