The Robert E. Lee Boyhood Home Virtual Museum

Ann Lee Finds Learns of Husband's Death

[Letter to Ann Hill Carter Lee from Richard Bland Lee, 1761-1827,
younger brother of Henry "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, 1756-1818.
From the George Bolling Lee papers, in the Virginia Historical Society.]

Washington, April 7, 1818

My Dear Madam

It is my painful duty to announce to you the death of your husband -- He died at a friend's house in Cumberland Island, Georgia on the 25th March. I have as yet learned no further particulars --

Accept my sincere sympathies --and may God support you in this and every other trial -- and may you find consolation in the virtues of your excellent and promising children --

With sincere affection and esteem, your Brother --

RB Lee