Boston 15^th May

                        General:

                                    I beg leave to intrude upon you for the purpose of laying before you a matter which concerns me very much, and which I hope will meet with your approval.

            I have collected the materials for a narration of your services as Commander of the Southern Armies, and I desire to prepare it as soon as possible.

            I wrote during the War “A Life of Lieut. Gen T. J. Jackson.” by an Ex-cadet, which went through two editions.

            I have lost everything by the War, and I am here now fulfilling a literary engagement – I am anxious to return to my home in Maryland, and have thought such a book as I propose to write will enable me to do so    Yet I have thought it best to ask if such a course would be disagreeable to you, and I write now for that purpose.  If it does not meet with your approval I will give up the plan.

            Should you desire to learn anything concerning me I can refer to you to Col Thomas P. August of Richmond.

            Be kind enough, General to reply at your earliest convenience

            My address is 29 Sharon St. Boston.

                                                            Very Respectfully

                                                                        James D.McCabe Jr

General R. E. Lee

             Lexington

                        Va

Notation on reverse in General Lee’s handwriting:

            15 May 1866

Jas: D. McCabe Jr

requests agent to

his writing history

of life etc

21 May Ansd