Arlington 12 July 1858 Mr. Wm Winston Sir I Send down three Negro men belonging to the Estate of G. W. P. Custis, viz: Reuben, Parks & Edward, whom I wish you to hire in Virginia, to good & responsible men, for the year or a term of years, not exceeding 31 Decr 1862, or Such terms as may be in your judgement [sic] most advantageous. I do not wish these men returned here during the usual holy days, but to be retained until Called for. Should you not be able to find Satisfactory Situations for them at once you are authorized to turn them over to an Agent with Specific instructions, and Conformably to the above, or to place them at temporary Service, where they will be well Cared for, until you Can permanently locate them. You will of Course require the Customary bond for the payment of their hire, Clothing &c Should you not be able to find Situations for these men, Satisfactory to you, & you think [2] either or all of them Could be employed on the Estates in New Kent & King William without prejudice to the Slaves thereon, you are authorized to do So. I desire however that this be not done unless absolutely necessary. I am very respt. R E Lee The men will be delivered to you by Mr. Richard Williams P. Officer for the County of Alexa., VA. R E L [3] I have hired the within named Negroes for the balance of the year at the rate of one thousand & twenty-five dollars per annum each with the privilege of retaining them at the average price paid for Similar hands the next year &c WDodamras July 16th G[illegible] 1858 V[illegible] [address leaf] Mr Wm A. Winston Hanover Ct House Virginia Mr Richd Williams [docket] Curtis [illegible] To { Letter of 12th { July 1858 Winston Agent