Transcript:
Hd. Qs Army N Va
31st Dec 1864
Lt. Gen. US Grant,
Commdg US Armies
General,
The friends of the late Captain Robert B. Davis, 40th Va. Regt. who was killed near Peeble’s house on the 1st Oct. are very desirous to recover his remains. They state that they have seen in Northern papers that the grave of the deceased is designated by a head-board, showing his name and rank.
As I presume you would not be willing to permit a party to enter your lines for the purpose of disinterring the body, should you see purpose to comply with the wishes of the family of the deceased, and cause the remains to be removed, I will receive them at such point as you may designate.
It will be a great gratification to the afflicted family of Captain Davis.
Very respectfully
Your Obt. servt
Citation: Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) letter signed to Ulysses S. Grant. 31 December 1864. AMs 359/27