Farley Iowa

Dec 18th 1865

Gen R. E. Lee

Richmond, Va.

Gen.  I learn through the press that you are writing the history of your campaigns during the late war.  Having been a Confederate Soldier myself and served under your immediate command for one year I naturally feel great interest in the work.

I have been requested by Messrs Burns & Van Allen to inquire of you upon what terms they can secure the right to sell the above mentioned work in the States of Illinois Wisconsin in Minnesota Iowa & Missouri or such of these states as the right of Territory may not have already have been leased.  Messrs Burns & Van Allen are men of responsibility can give bond for the amount required to secure the agency for the states before mentioned

Hoping you may be able to award these gentlemen the privilege asked with equal advantages to yourself, I am Gen

Very respectfully

Your obdt Servt

G. W. Alexander

Notation on reverse in General Lee=s handwriting:

G. W.  Alexander

Says Messrs Burns & Van

Allen wish to sell history

of war in Western States