Eastville Northampton Co E S Va

                                                                        June 14^th 1866

Genl Robt E Lee

                        Dear Sir

                                                I am requested by the Messrs Cobb Bros to extend to you and your family a cordial invitation to visit them as their guest at their pleasant Island resort during the present summer not only for a few days but for as many weeks as you may find it convenient pleasant and agreeable.  It is unnecessary to say that it will give them great pleasure to have you and Mrs Lee and every Member of your family; Should it suit your pleasure and convenience please name the time and number of your family so that good and suitable rooms may be prepared and reserved for you; As some inducement to Mrs Lee she will have an opportunity of visiting the Tomb of one of her Ancestors in this vicinity at Arlington on this Shore.  Inclosed (sic)I send you one of their Cards published in Baltimore and refer you for further particulars to my friend Genl henry A Wise

            Your numerous warm friends of this old county will be highly gratified to have an opportunity of paying their respects to you

                                                            Respectfully & Cordially

                                                                        Your Friend

                                                                                    P. S Bowdoin

Notation on reverse in General Lee’s handwriting:

Complimentary

            14 June 1866

P. S. Bowdoin

in the name of the

Messrs Cobb

extends invitation

to Self & Family

to Cobbs Island

E. S. Va

23 June

            Declined