New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-19

front Of Grant by tho LIST Of April and unless the latter
ia heavily reinforced all that has boen gained In that
region may be lest.
But many Rebel officers are confident that II the
Uuionsts should obtain foothod in Northern Georgia
they would be able to penetrate TO the interior Of
the State. Notifications Of formidable character
have already been tt-own up around Atlanta and De
catar and at eycsy point along the Chat.ahoochee
River (Which tv elye fifteen miles north OF At
lsnts). ut which erny could possibly be crossed er
tensye works for defense have been erected. The
physical labor these works was Of course performed
| exclusively by negroes.
short time ago the municipal authorities Of Rich
mond rendered Gen. Lee s60G0 10 enable him TO pur
chase residence in that city, and VIC learn from the
Rebel papers that the great hero and patriot declined
the gift pfefering that tie amount should be expended
for the benefit Of the soldiers in tho field But hap
pen to know that motyos other than those Of patriot
ism and an aeconate regard for his soldiers prompted
Gen Lee to refuse the mnnifcent Offer.
A conversation which occurred between Mrs. Lee
and her friend Mr. Vaughn, which heard the latter
innoccntly repeat in presence OF dozen persona WI"
disclose t&e trueeason Of the Generals declining the
handsome present. II was wen known for eonsdera
bic time before tie authorities took formal action IN the
matter that they intended such e for their fayorite
General; and Ars Vaughn on calling on Mrs. Lee in
her humble Experiments, congratulated her on the
prospect OF her soon occupying an elegant mansion
again. Mrs.. Lee knowing that her friend alluded 70 the
contemplated present from the city replied that she did
expect 10 occupy oommodious quarters during
the war-that the General would not receive II offered
residence In Richmond-thst they had been obliged TO
abandon home and that the fate of the city was
yet undecided and uncertain they might they had
residence there be compelled 10 abandon that Also and
that they preferred live they living ready 10
leave without loss or care the chances Of should
require them 70 do So She sad IL after the the
country desired 10 reward the General for his abors
and saorfoes its grateful offers would likely be
cepted
1t is clear enough that Gen. Lees patriotism does not
render him 70 indifferent 10 his personal welfare as
be would like TO have IL believed. lie evidently sppre
hendcd that residence n Richmond would not long be
Of aue or service to him. and he that by declining
to receive the rendered him TO purchase one and
suggesting that the amount be expended for biz soldiers
he would increaro his popularity with his army and
add to his already great reputation Tor patriotism and
readiness to sacrifice everything for the beneht OF his
country. Beside Gen. Ice is shrewd enough TO under
stand that If the Rebellion should succeed this spirit Of
sefdenal displayed by him would be remembered in
his favor and that instead OF seo0o m almost worth
less Treasury notes grateful country would reward
bin 10 ten times that extent
But the misforlunes and losses OF Gen. Lee, which be
and his friends pleased to call sacrifices TO noble
cause great they may be. are but meritod punish
ment for his treason ard yet they do not exceed tho
losses ru-sineA hy hundreds OF nuocon: people who
have been reduced by the from ausnce 10 poverty
There are many families in Richmond. who have never
voluntarily aided the Rebellion living In yarrets with
scarcely any furniture without the means Of procuring
repas Of the most frugal Kind su cieut 10 srny the
ssss Of aSss Me I'D IL inc Sss ssSssss
Injuries wealth could procure. Ladies who three years
sro scerosly know how TO hem handkerchief erc
forced 10 solicit from heares Jews and tradesmen sew
ne for which they receive miserable pitanoe In WOW
Of the exorbitant prices charged for everything neces
.ery for their subsistence; and they may be seen lug
rinc Great bundles Of soldiers clothing and uniforms
which in times past they would hardly have allowed
fayorto servant to ,rudec with along the public streets
Ihsye seen ladies in the most public street In the city
ai.ired In silk dresses and mantilas and rich'lookng
bonnets, of patterns by the fashionable three
years ao without shoes stockiBgst 10 their feetwh
| their feet protected only by common rags. "wed
together something like moccas!nsi aud on more thah
one occasion have seen them dressed in this way WIZ
their feet entirely naked. These were not women o.
bad character but ladies, who have been reduced D!
the Rebellion to poverty. Their dresses bonnet' And
shaws. not being severely taxed with wear remain ''
them while their shoes and stockings subjected TO dan!
service have been worn away, and they are WITHOUT
the means pay the exrayagant prices DEMANDED o'
| new ones. 49,
I intended to give you picture OF the condition o.
things in Richmond. OF its mysteries and miseriee ON
my communication has attained 80 great iens'h 'nA'
| mnst reserve the subject for my next letter.