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                                     Washington, Oct ~ 1885

My dear Sally

           Your note of the 9th came

only this morning.

    The picture you speak of (a very bad

one in my estimation) was made in Savan- nah about five months before General Lee's death. It was gotten up by a party of ladies in their devotion to the general. Mrs. Genl - A. R. Lawton being their leader_ I think. The photographer's name was D.J. Ryan. I believe however, that he left that place some years ago.

     We see your father frequently, and

he seems to be in good spirits_ And

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and although thin, looks healthy. He is interested just now in the military equipments and habits of ancient and mediaeval people. And is probably at the present time looking over some treatises of mine on such subjects. We have had your cousin Sue Taliaferro with us for some weeks. She being es- tablished in Washington_ in the Coast Survey Office.

     If you want one of the pictures

in question, I may be able to get it for you.

     Give my love to Capt. Lee and

the children. I would love mightily to see you all.

               Affectionately yours,
                              J. E. Johnston

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