Lexington, Va     13 April  1868 
 
My dear Col. 
 The barrel of oysters which you were so kind as to send me by Bryan o th e8th arrived on the night of the 1oth, and have converted our Easter celebration into a feast. besides being excellent in themselves they were in fine condition, and the oyster knife tell Bryan provesd invaluable. Mrs Lee sends her personal thanks and our neighbors unite in acknowledgement for the pleasing knowledge you have given them of so excellent a shellfish. 
 I am very sorry to hear that you have been sick. Perhaps the attack was produced by a desire to form the immediate acquaintance of that splendid baby. Give my congratulations to Mrs. T.. Tell her I hope that when her fancy for girls is satisfied (mine is exorbitant) that she will begin upon the boys. We must have somebody to work for them. 
 You will have to bring Mrs. Taylor and the babies up to Lexington to see us. I fear I shall never be able to get to Norfolk to see you. 
 We are all fairly well. Mary and Agnes have been in Baltimore the past winter and are now in Maryland. Mildred has taken care of us and thinks she has a hard time in regulating her brother Custis and three of my brother’s children who are living with us. 
 Custis looked very knowing when I delivered your message but did not divulge his plans. 
 Remember me most kindly to your mother and sisters, your wife, Mrs. Sanders and all friends, and believe me very truly   
      R E Lee 
Col. W. H. Taylor