Original

Lexington VA: 3 Oct 1867

My dear Sir

I recd this mng your letter of the 28th ulto: & sympathize most sincerely in your misfortunes, & especially in the death for your noble son.  When however we reflect upon the suffering of the living, & the peace & happiness of the righteous dead, we should be reconciled to the loss of friends & rejoice at their departure to a better world.

I thank you for the compliment paid me by giving my name to your little son, & hope that you will so educate him as that he will become a good, wise & useful man.  I send him my photograph, the best I have, which I hope will serve to remind him sometimes of me-

With my kindest regards to all your family & best wishes for your welfare

I am very respy & truly

your obtservt

R E Lee

Mr J. D. Driesnbach