The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1864-12-30
Letter, from General Lee

A correspondent of the London Times
supplies copies of two letters from Gen.
eral Lee, which are dated as far back as
1861. One of the letters is addressed to
General Scott. and contains General Lees
resignation of his commission after scr
vice of a quarter of century. The 9th
er, addressed to sister, enters more fully
into the feelings which dictated that
step and which animated the Southern
leaders at that time:
a.. . ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1864.
General-Since my interview with you
on the 18th instant, have felt that /
ought not longer to retain my commits
sion in the army. /, therefore, tender my
resignation, which I.request you will re-
commend for acceptance 1t would have
been presented at once; but for the strug-
gle it has cost me to separate myself
from service to which have devoted
all. the best years of my life and all the
ability possessed.
During the whole of that time-more
than quarter of a century, have ex-
perienced nothing but kindness from my
superiors, and the most cordial friend
ship from my comrades. To no one, Gen.
eral, have l been as much indebted as to
yourself for uniform kindness and con
sideration, and it has always been my ar
dent desire to merit your appreciation.
shall carry to the grave the most grate-
full recollections Of your kind considera-
| ton, and your name and fame will always
be dear to me.
Save in defense of my native State,
never desire again to draw my sword
Be pleased to accept my most earnest
wishes for the continuance of your hap
piness and prosperity, and believe me,
most truly yours, r. E. LEE.
Lieutenant General Winfield Scott,
Commanding United States Army.
A copy of the preceding letter was en-
closed in the following letter to sister
of the General, Mrs A NJ;
ARLINGTON, Va, April %, 1861
M DEAR SISTER, am grieved at my
inability to see you'll have been
waiting "for more convenient season"
which has brought to many before me
deep and lasting regret Now we are in
state of war which will yield to
nothing The whole South is in state
of revolution, into which Virginia, after
long struggle, has been drawn, and
though recognize no necessity for this state
Of things, and would have forborne and
pleaded to the end for redress of griev-
alces, real or supposed get in my own
person / had to meet the question,
uhether I should take part against my aatire
Stats With all my devotion to the
Union, aud the feeling of loyalty and du-
ty of an American citizen, have not
been able to make up my mind to raise
my had against my relatives, my chill
dren, my home / have, therefore, re-
signed my commission in the army,
and save in defence of my native State,
with the sincere hope that my poor ser
vices may never be needed, hope / may
never be called ON TO draw my sword
Iknow you will blame me, but you
must think as kindly of me as you can,
and believe that have endeayored to do
what / thought right To show you the
feeling and struggle it has cost me, Isend
a copy of my letter to General Scott,
which accompanied my letter of resigna-
ktion. - / have no time.for more
Nay God guard and protect
you and yours, and shower upon you
every blessing, is the prayer of your de-
voted brother, 3, E. LEE.