Fernandino Florida

February 3d 1866

My Dear General

Captain Taylor an old and esteemed friend of mine passed here yesterday with his two sons to place them at the College of which you are the distinguished head - These young gentlemen were denied the advantages of a good school for the last four years and may therefore need the kindness of your assistants to overlook the imperfections consequent thereon.

May I bespeak for them General some of that kindness and forbearance which has so marked your intercourse with the officers and soldiers who had the honor to serve under your Command in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Thanking you My Dear Genl for many acts of kindness to myself and hoping that you may have a long and happy life

I am with sentiments of esteem

Yours Very truly

Joseph Finegan

Genl R E Lee

Prest Lexington College

Va

Notation on reverse in General Lee=s handwriting:

3 Feby >66

Genl Finnegan in

reference to sons of

Captain Taylor