Lexington VA: 
25 May 1868 
  
Dear Sir 
  
There was no officer of the name of G. M. Brooke on my staff during the late war.  Capt: John M. Brooke, an officer in the Confederate Navy & on duty in the Navy Dept Richmond, is a gentleman of great skill & worth 
Very respy 
your obtservt 
R E Lee 
  
Mr D. R. Osborne 
  
Envelope in General Lee’s handwriting addressed to: 
Mr D. R. Osborne 
   Baltimore 
            Md