Original

Lexington VA: 5 Jany 1869

My dear Sir

Please prsent my thanks to the Committee of the Stonewall Fire Engine Company for their kind invitation to their Fourth Anniversary Celebration; & express to them my regrets at my inability to attend.

With my sincere wishes for the advancement & prosperity of the Company & for its saving usefulness to the citizens of Charleston

I am with great respect

your obtservt

R E Lee

Mr Wm G. Miller

Chairman Committee

Stonewall Fire Engine Co-