Lexington VA: 5 Jany 1869 
  
  
My dear Sir 
Please prsent my thanks to the Committee of the Stonewall Fire Engine Company for their kind invitation to their Fourth Anniversary Celebration; & express to them my regrets at my inability to attend. 
With my sincere wishes for the advancement & prosperity of the Company & for its saving usefulness to the citizens of Charleston 
I am with great respect 
your obtservt 
R E Lee 
  
Mr Wm G. Miller 
Chairman Committee 
Stonewall Fire Engine Co-