Saturday, July 18, 2015

Lee Writes to Maury's Son: Share the Fate of Your State

JULY 30, 1865:  General Lee wrote to Maury's son, Colonel Richard L Maury:  "I received by last packet from Richmond your letter of the 22nd enclosing an extract from a letter of your Father dated June 27 and a project of a decree of the Emperor of Mexico to encourage emigration of the planters of the South to that country.

"I was very glad to learn of the well being of your Father and of his safe arrival in Mexico and had felt assured wherever he might be that he deeply sympathized in the suffering of the people of the South and was ready to do all in his power to relieve them.

"I do not know not know how far their emigration to another land will conduce to their eventual prosperity although their prospects may not now be cheering.  I have entertained the opinion that it would be better for them and the country to remain at their homes and share the fate of their respective States.

"I hope however the efforts of your father will facilitate the wishes and promote the welfare of all who find it necessary or convenient to expatriate themselves but should sincerely regret that either he or his should be embraced by that number."

Lee says to stay with your State and take whatever comes her way.

--Old B-R'er

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