My dear Sir 
I am extremely grateful for the offer contained in your letter of the 23rd.  It is too generous for me to accept.  I cannot consent to be a burden to you or your friends.  My purpose is to procure some humble home for my family for the present until I can devise some means of providing it with subsistence.  The great affliction of Mrs Lee rendering all motion painful to her; induced me to look along James river for a temporary abode (page 2) at least.  I did not intend by my application to you to impose the great trouble which the kindness of your heart has induced you to take.  There is some prospect of my obtaining the house of Dr Brent in Fluvanna.  The distance would make it more desirable than a journey to Nelson for Mrs Lee & if vacated by the present occupants I hope to be able to obtain it.  I have therefore determined to remain here for the present until that is ascertained.  In the meantime if you should hear of any suitable house I can rent I would be obliged to you if you would in - (page 3) form me. 
I am extremely obliged to you for your kind offer of assistance, & all that you proposed to do for my relief, & beg you & your friends to accept my sincere gratitude for your generous proposition.  I highly appreciate your motives & will cherish the recollection of your friendship- 
Mrs Lee & all members of my family unite in kindest regards to you & I am 
   
Very truly yours 
           R E Lee 
       Richmond 24 May ‘65 
Mr. Wm D. Cabell