22 May 43 BCE: To Cicero (at Rome) from Lepidus (at camp on the Argenteus)
Lepidus promises that he is Cicero's friend
From Lepidus, twice imperator, Pontifex Maximus, to Marcus Tullius Cicero, greetings.
At every opportunity we have fought over our mutual enthusiasm to do our duty to one another, due to the friendship between us, which we have both been careful to maintain. Still, I do not doubt that in such strong and sudden political upheaval you have heard false and undeserved rumours about me from my detractors,1 which would cause you great agitation, because of how much you love the Republic.
My agents have let me know that you have received these rumours calmly, and not rashly judged them worthy of belief. I am very grateful for this, as I ought to be. For I remember the things you previously did out of good will, to improve and honour my position. These memories will remain forever fixed in my heart.
I have an important request to ask of you, my Cicero; if you have evidence that my life, my devotion, my hard work, and my loyalty in administering the affairs of the Republic in the past have been worthy of the name Lepidus—please believe that I shall do as much and more in the future, and so consider me as someone you should use your influence to defend—while I am more and more indebted to your kindness.
Goodbye.
Written May 22nd, from camp on the River Argenteus.
Latin text of Ad Familiares 10.34a | Glossary | Historia Civilis video overview of 44-43 BCE
Lepidus may be thinking of Plancus.