ALS signed “R. E. Lee,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, July 6, 1868. Written from Lexington, Virginia, a letter to Robert Beverley of Fauquier County, in part: "I wish I was able to advise you as to the proper Course to pursue with your sons. I can only say from what I know of them, that they desire the opportunity of acquiring a good education, & which in my opinion, no matter what pursuit they may take in life, is the greatest benefit you can bestow upon them. In selecting a school for them I would consult as far as reasonable their taste & fancy show them the responsibility that will devolve upon them in after life & urge them to prepare themselves to meet it. I send you a catalogue of Washington College which I hope will give you all the information you desire Concerning it. If there is any is any that offers greater advantages or holds out greater inducements to your sons to study you ought to select it. You will see here they can pursue such a course of study as you may think best for them, but I always advise all young men in commencing their education, & in preparing for the duties of life which they cannot foresee to begin on a broad foundation…full time, & take the disciplinary studies with the practical, which will develop their minds & enlarge their capacity. If you determine to send them to Washington College, mark out their course, & let me know what you wish & I will endeavor to aid them all in my power. I think it will be better to procure them board in some private family, where they will have the advantage of home influences & be surrounded by social & moral advantages, rather than place them in College." Lee adds his initials, "REL," to a brief postscript: "I write in the midst of interruption & preparation for departure." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in his own hand. From October 1865 until his death at the age of 63, Lee served as president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, a public role in which he vocally supported reconciliation between North and South and President Johnson's plans for the quick restoration of the former Confederate states.
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