St. Joseph – 14 May 1866

My revered Countryman

                                    In the far off State of Louisiana, from an obscure little town therein and from a still more obscure individual, comes this greeting.

            To you, who are in daily receipt of testimonials of admiration and affection from all parts of the Land you struggled so nobly for – this letter will be but a tiresome repetition, I am afraid but my heart is in the petition I must write to make a heart that beats as lovingly for our overpowered heart, in this the day of our adversity, as when in the zenith of glorious anticipation – therefore, do I beg you to grant it.

            I have a little nephew just two years old – a noble boy we think, and worthy of the name he bears. “Lee” – for this little namesake of yours, I beg a small lock of your hair – just enough to insert in a seal-ring.  This memento I wish to prepare for him, in anticipation of the hours in which he can appreciate the glorious privilege of having been born in the same land with Robert E. lee.

            I wish many apologies for the presumption of my request-

            I remain yours

                                    Admiring and devoted

Countryman

                                    Jeannette R. Hadermann

My address –

            Miss Jeannette R. Hadermann

Care of Charles G. Johnson

14 Union Street

New Orleans

Notation on front in General Lee’s handwriting:

Miss Jeannette R. Hader

mann – In reference to her

nephew “Lee”

Ansd (no date)