Lexington Sept 16th 1873

I send you my dear sir the autograph you request & a very poor one as all are exhausted save a few found on bank checks & other papers

So I must beg you will tell any of your friends who may desire to make a similar application to me that I shall be obliged to refuse which is painful to me as I would love to gratify all who honor the name & memory of Genl Lee

Yours truly

                                                            Mary Custis Lee