Savannah Geo 21 Apl 1870 
My dear Colonel 
I am much obliged to you for your kind letter. I recd a telegram from the Proprietor of the Galt House Louisville, which I answered, stating that it would be out of my power to return to that city. I presume that will be sufficient, but should you think otherwise please give him my thanks etc -I wish the same information could reach the other places, as our kind of people seem to think that I am running loose or have a roving commission to traverse the country ­
I feel benefited by my visit to the South; am stronger & have less rheumatic pains, though the pain in my chest is ever present when I make any exertion & I still have 
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a cough though it is not troublesome. 

I suppose that I have derived all the advantages I can receive from my visit to Savannah, & shall therefore on Monday next, 25t Inst: commence my journey homewards -Should nothing prevent, I will stop at Charleston & other points for rest, & shall have to be some days in Richmond, as the Physicians there wish to rexamine & consult over my case. I will not therefore reach Lexington before the 10t or 15t of May, when I hope the cold weather will have left the mountains ­
Please present my kindest regards to all the members of the Faculty & other friends -Agnes jons me in remembrances to Mrs Johnston & your family & in best wishes for yourself 
Tell Col: Allan I have recd 
(page 3) his letter but may not answer it till I return -I am glad to hear that all are doing well at the College -I hope that it may continue ­
With great regard 
very truly 
yours 
R E Lee 
Col: Wm Preston Johnston