Appomattox C. H. Apl. 2. 1866

Gen. R. E. Lee

     My Dear Sir

                                                With unfeigned reluctance, I compel myself to call upon you for a personal favour.  I have been prevailed upon by a number of my friends, and other persons, to have the picture of my house taken, (External and internal) as it was on the unfortunate day of 9^th Apl. 1865. (Necessity compells me to do so, what I have not done before.)  It is now in progress and will be gotten up in the finest style, by first artists in New York.  I will be under obligation to you, My Dear Sir, if you will grant one, two, or three sittings, for one of the first Artists of N. Y. to get a life like likeness of your self.  I hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken, and believe me ever ready to reciprocate.

With profound respect, I remain your most humble servant

                                                                        Wilmer McLean

Notation on reverse in General Lee’s handwriting:

            2 Apl ‘66

Wilmer McLean

asks for sittings to a

N. Y. Artist

Ansd: Declined

            6 Apl