Lee, Robert E. | In a condolence letter written for a Confederate captain killed in action, Lee looks to God for “a happy issue out of all of our troubles …”

Lee, Robert E., as Confederate General

Autograph letter signed ("R E Lee"), 1 page (247 x 196 mm) on blue paper, Camp Fredericksburg, 8 January 1863, to Mrs. Sarah A. Lawton; laid down on thin mat board, closing some fold separations, marginal chip at lower left corner touching three letters.

"[I]n God above do I look for a happy issue out of all of our troubles, & trust that out of the Calamity of War which he has seen fit to visit upon us, he will bring great good."

South no less than North, slave-owner no less than abolitionist, Lee no less than Lincoln—all claimed divine guidance for their actions. This letter is one of Robert E. Lee's most personal and explicit expressions of his deeply held religious faith. Addressing the wife of General Alexander R. Lawton—whose brother Captain Edward P. Lawton had been recently killed leading a charge at Fredericksburg—Lee invokes the comfort of "our Heavenly father," who always acts "for our good."

"I acknowledge with many thanks your very kind letter of the 1st Inst. While I know that the Sentiments you express towards me are dictated alone by your kindness & charity of heart; aware how little they are merited, I feel humbled in reading them. For your prayers I am truly grateful, for in God above do I look for a happy issue out of all of our troubles, & trust that out of the Calamity of War which he has seen fit to visit upon us, he will bring great good. The misery it has brought upon your family is vividly revived by the arrival of your Sister [-in-law] from Alexandria with the body of her gallant husband. Who can realize her feelings, yet they are fully appreciated, & the whole Army Sympathizes in her grief! They know the merits of the lamented dead. They witnessed his bravery & devotion. They feel the loss to themselves & Country. May God in his mercy mitigate her Sufferings! I have only my sincere Sympathy to offer to her, to you, & the Genl. His sorrow must be indeed bitter. But he has the Consolation of knowing that what is done by our Heavenly father, is done for our good, that his noble brother died the death of the patriot Soldier, & is now at rest. Please present my kindest regards to him & your children."

In an acknowledgement that routine formulas continue to be observed even in the most trying circumstances, Lee closes with a reference to the recently marked New Year, "With sincere wishes for the health & happiness of yourself & the return of Many new years. …"

Edward Lawton's footstone in the cemetery of the Robertsville Baptist Church, Robertsville, South Carolina, reads, "Mortally wounded lst battle of Fredericksburg. Led 'Lawton's Charge' which excited admiration of both Confederates and Federals. Cited for his gallantry and courage by General Lee."