Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-12-30
Ietters from General Lee.

General Lee, furnished by its Richmond
correspondent, as follows. One of the let
ters is addressed to General Scott, and con-
tains General Lees resignation of his COM
mission, after service of a quarter of a CEN
tury. The other, addressed to sister, en-
ters more fully into the feelings which die
tated that step and which animated the
Southern leaders at that time:
DARLINGTON, VA, April 20, 1861.
''GENERAL-Since my interview with you
on the 18th instant, have felt that ought
not longer to retain my commission in the
army. |, therefore, tender my resignation,
which | request you will recommend for
acceptance. 1t would have been presented
at once, but for the struggle it has cost me
to separate myself from service to which
l have devoted all the best years of my life,
and all the ability possessed.
During the whole of that time-more
than a quarter of century, have eX-
perienced nothing but kindness from my
superiors, and the most cordial friendship
from my comrades. To no one, General.
have been so much indebted as to yourself
for uniform Kindness and consideration, and
it has always been my ardent desire to
merit your appreciation. l shall carry to
the grave the most grateful recollections of
your kind consideration, 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 happiness and
prosperity, and believe me, most truly
yours,
sLieutenant- General Winfield Scott, COM
manding United States Army"
A copy of the preceding letter was in
closed in the following letter to sister Of
the General, Mrs. A. NJ:
"ARLINGToN, VIRGINIA, April 20, 1861.
"MY DEAR SIsTER-I am grieved at my
inability to see you. ! have been waiting
for a smore 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 a 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
grievances, real or supposed, yet in
my own person had to meet the question,
,uhetter toould take part against my ndtfue
State. With all my devotion to the Union,
and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an
American citizen, | have not been able to
make up my mind to raise my hand against
my relatives, my children, my home. l
have, therefore, resigned my commission
in the army, and, save in the defense of my
native State, with the hope that my poor
services may never be needed, hope may
never be called on to draw my sword.
II know 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 cost me, send q copy OF
my letter to General Scott, which accom-
panied my letter of resignation. have no
time for more.
'sMay God guard and protect you
and yours; and shower upon you every
blessing, is the prayer of your devoted
brother, X. II. LEE"