West Point 
2 Feb.,1853 
 
My dear Fitzhugh 
 I have not written to you for so long, that I cannot refrain from sending you a few lines. I hope you have had no return of your rheumatism & and are progressing satisfactorily in your studies. We have not heard from you this week. The rain has rendered the ice impassable, which a day or two since furnished us a safe bridge over the river. I drove over twice in a sleigh recently; but today I heard that two persons broke in. Our mails will therefore be irregular for a while until the river becomes navigable by boats. It may therefore be sometime before this reaches you. The Cadets have had fine skating for some time. But it is all over now. They have nothing therefore to look forward to but the pleasant drills on the opening of Spring. We are all very well. The Servant is out daily much to the gratification of its owner and his sister. The ground is still covered with snow and the sleighing is good. Letters from your Grandmother report all well at Arlington. Your sister is quite well and is learning to skate. Ella Carter is going to Miss Boltons the present half year. Custis dined with us last Saturday. Conny (?), Chudie, Dick, Webster,& Heileman also. Conny (?) has been allowed to continue with his class till June in the hope that he will make up his deficiency in Math. All send love. Very truly your father. 
                                                                          
        R.E. Lee