JONES BROS. & CO.

Subscription Book Publishers

Philadelphia, Feb 26^th 1866

Genl Robt. E. Lee

            Respected Sir

                                                Pardon the pertinacity that may appear to be rude except in a business view permit us to request that if you should change your mind & conclude to write a work for publication, that our offer may receive a just consideration at your hands.  We dislike to boast, but think that through no other channel could your work receive so extensive & remunerative circulation.  Of course if we have misunderstood the tenor of your polite note you have contracted already with some Publishing House this letter is “de trop” & we must offer as apology a zeal in this matter not altogether we trust sordid or selfish

                                                Respectfully

                                                Your obdt Svt

                                                Jones Bros & Co