Troy March 15^th 1866

Gen. Lee,

                        In addressing you I do not feel as if addressing a stranger; I followed your career so attentively in the Mexican War as perhaps you may be aware if you read the library edition of my American history; and I believe fully in the authenticity of your character as in your valor and efficiency.

            There are three other of the Confederate Gens whom I wish to address, Beauregard, Johnson, and Bragg, but know not how to direct.  I trust to your goodness to pardon the liberty I am taking by sending these here circulars in a package to you, with the request that you will direct them.

            The General so glorified in as an American, familiarly known as “Stonewall” Jackson, cannot be now be reached by any mortal address but I should be sorry that his fame should lack the little I may be able to do for it.  If some friend of his were near you also could in his lines write for me his most prominent historic acts with their dates, he would be doing a good deed.

            As I am about making up a package to send by mail and as am desirous of being myself understood, you will pardon me for enclosing some papers which define my position.

                                    Yours with respect

                                                And regard yours

                                                            Emma Willard

P.S.

            Will Gen. Lee have the goodness to send me a line acknowledging the receipt of this package, and his action if any thereon.

                                                                        E. W.

Notation on reverse in General Lee’s handwriting:

            15 March ‘66

Mrs Emma Willard

Wants information

In her American

 History

Ansd: 29 Mar