My Dear Mrs Benson 
 I assure you there is nothing that I could have done for you “twenty years ago” that I would not more cheerfully do for you now. I therefore enclose you the lock of hair you desire, but that you see how valuable it is, I enclose the last photograph of the head from which it was cut. You should have taken it twenty years ago. 
 With much love to my little namesake, to whom I wish every happiness and prosperity & kind regards to Mr. Benson. I am truly and most ever yours 
      R E Lee 
      Near Cartersville Va  22 July ‘65 
 
Mrs. Caroline Benson