Beschreibung:

Autograph letter signed to Miss Fannie Wise declining an invitation.
Lexington, VA: 11 December 1865. 2 pp. (202 x 126 mm). Condition : tape repairs to creases, very lightly toned. Fannie Wise, presumably the daughter Lee's former general Henry A. Wise, had invited Lee to join the family for Christmas. Lee declines, citing his busy schedule at Washington College: "I wish I could promise myself the pleasure of seeing you Xmas, as you kindly propose in your letter of the 9 Inst. but there is but one day cessation of the exercises of the College, therefore no time to pay visits. I am glad to inform you that Mrs. Lee is now with me, & is more comfortable than I had reason to hope; I hope I shall therefore enjoy the day with a more grateful heart, to the Giver of all good. My daughter May when last heard from, was in Georgetown, & had not paid her promised visit to the E. Shore of Maryland. I do not therefore know, when she will reach here. I am very glad to hear that you are all at your home again, where I hope you will enjoy long & lasting happiness. Please present any kind regards to your mother, sisters and brothers…" In September 1865, Lee had accepted the presidency of Washington College, which would be renamed Washington and Lee University after his death. In the letter, he also comments on his wife's adjustment to their new life.