STEPHEN D. LEE.
New Orleans, La., April 4, 1909.
Brig.-General H. W. Graber,
Dallas, Texas.
Dear General: I have much pleasure in handing you herein a copy of S/O No. 12, naming the staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the U. C. V.
The General Commanding this glorious Federation feels that the responsibility rests on him to use every effort to bring forth the results that will be for its best interests. He knows that if the earnest workers and progressive spirits in the association will render such services in his aid as he has reason to think they will, our order will make more rapid advances in the future, greatly diminished as are our numbers, than in the past.
Trusting, then, on your love for the organization and your eminent fitness for the position, he has selected you as one of his personal staff; and begs that you will honor him by accepting the position of Assistant Adjutant-General, with the rank of Brigadier-General.
In addition to using every occasion to increase the interest and affection of the veterans in our “social, literary, historical and benevolent” society, and constantly working to bring about peace and harmony among the comrades, he particularly desires that you will, if possible, be in attendance at the Memphis Reunion, in full dress uniform, and meet him at the Headquarters Hotel (the Peabody Hotel) to concert measures that will make this a most memorable occasion. He hopes that you will attend the daily sessions of the convention, be present on the stage with him, and on the day of the parade take part with the entire staff in full uniform.
Trusting that you may be able and willing to assist in this great work in the way indicated, with every good wish for your health, prosperity and happiness,