Wake County, NC - Bicentennial File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Barbara Kawamoto Reprinted with permission of the News & Observer and cannot be reproduced without permission. A Letter to General Robert E. Lee The News and Observer December 29, 1991 Raleigh 200/The New Capital From Dr. Aldert Smedes St. Mary’s, May 22d, 1863 Gen. Lee, My Dear Sir, Amid the toils and dangers to which you are exposed for your country’s welfare, you are richly entitled to every drop of comfort, which it is possible to pour into your cup. The term of your daughter’s residence at this school is about to expire, and it affords me great pleasure to assure you that her diligence and proficiency as a pupil, and her conduct as a lady, have been worthy of her parentage. This is bestowing the highest praise upon her. She has been exemplary in her observance of the minutest rules of discipline, and has scarce allowed a moment to pass unemployed and unimproved. She carries away with her the most cordial esteem and regard not only of all her teachers and young companions, but of many of our community whom her father’s name had attracted towards her. Her modesty is not the least of her recommendations; she never betrays by look, word or gesture the least consciousness that she is the daughter of the man whom the Nation delights to honor. While you, General, have had a daughter under my tuition, I have had two sons fighting as lieutenants, under your banner. Both were at the battle of Chancellorsville; where one, the adjutant of the 7th N.C., fell, mortally wounded. He was a noble, gallant, and what is infinitely better, a Christian boy. This is my consolation in so grievous a bereavement. His brother went through the same battle unhurt. He is attached to the 5th Regt. N.C.J. But I will not intrude upon time which belongs to the country. I am, General, with the most sincere respect and esteem, ============================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ==============================================================