Lexington 25 Sept 65 
  
My dear Sir 
I have just recd your letter of the 29th ulto: & hasten to thank you for yur generous offer.  I have been elected President of the Washington College at this place, & am here to enter upon my new duties.  You therefore see it is impossible for me to accept your kind proposition.  You have my most earnest well wishes for success in your enterprize, & I hope you will be able to accomplish all the good you propose. 
For myself I am content in the position in which events have placed me, & trust yet to see the restoration of the South in prosperity & influence.  For this all must work in their respective spheres 
Thanking you most sincerely for your interest & kindness, I am most 
truly yours 
  
  R E Lee 
  
Honble E M Bruce