From the Richmond Dispatch, 11/10/1900, p. 4, c. 4
Miss Van Lew His Friend.
The following letter was received at the office of the Health Department yesterday:
Saco, Me., November 3, 1900.
To the Clerk, City of Richmond, Va.:
Dear Sir. - Will you please inform me at your earliest convenience the age of Miss Elizabeth Van Lew, who recently died in your city? She was an old friend when I was a prisoner of war in 1861-’62, at her house, and I cannot think she was as old as the northern papers now state. Please answer and confer a favor.
Yours respectfully,
WILLIAM S. NOYES.