Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1865-10-14

,ion of my subjoined response, in refer
ence 10 my interviews with The Secretary
of War and Attorney General, will be
transmitted either Tomorrow or next day
for the public, forming another OF my let
lers from sshing!on-fOllowing this cor
respondence, and as adjunct 10 ii.
Respectfully.
THE COUNT JOANNES.
City of New York, N. K,Aug. 4,lso5.
TO General Robert E. Lee
of Virginia.
General herewith incose copy o!
my public letter to His Excellency the
President of the Uni,ed SIales, published
in The New York News. II is written
in patriotic loyalty and hnOwIege OF the
laws.
In the latter part honestly proffer my
legal services (grsIaltously Of coulse) 10
defend you and your late chief from the
alleged charge of treason as preferred by
Indictment against each Of you al Norfolk
and in The District of Columbia.
My legal argument in The letter to The
President is regarded here, by learned
persons of different politics, as being un-
ans wersble and conclusive upon the sub
iect-mauer conem plated.
In 1910 received in the City Of Rich
mond, Va. the gold medal for my public
oralion in tha, capital upon the National
independence July 4, ls4O.) My SEN
tiueniS Of patriotism then enuneisted by
me still abide, and give me authority 10 re-
new the profer Of my legal services, as a
champion Of the Constitution in It's full
integrity, and in which, politically. in the
words of 81. Paul, 1--WE live, and move
and have our being" In the forensic
sense | write this letter, and shall rejoice
to know, by your response, that the Pres
idential letter and this TO yourself are duly
appreciated by you, and my legal servi-
ces accepted, should they be Tequired, or,
in other words, should you be sTrsigaed
upon the charge Of treason.
Mn hearted dpteStatiOn Of the murder
of The late President Lincoln (hough by
monomaniac,) does. / am sure, meet
The perfect sympathy Of every gentleman
in The South. letter from you TO that
effect, and which could pubIisL in our
chief journals, would have good result
to soften harsh asperilies in the North, and
thus smooth the way 10 Reconciliation.
Soliciting your earliest reply. Yours,
respectfully, -
GEORGE, THE COUNT J0ANNES.
1ANswEB BY GENERAL LEE.
Near CartsrsviHe, "a, Sept. 4, 1865.
Sir: received, a few days since, your
communication ol the l4Ih ult., transmit
ting a copy OF your published letter 10 the
President Of the United States
Your arguments aad conclusions are
duly appreciated. and ] am exceedingly
obliged to you for The offer OF yeur legal
services-lo defend NE against The charge
of treason. Should they become necessa-
ry, they will be GRATEFULLY accepted. In
your letter 10 me, you do The people ei The
South but simple justice, in believing that
they heartily concur with you in your
opinion land ''heHted deIsstalioD," in re-
gard 10 the ASSASSINATION of The lale ffesl- |
dent Lincoln. II is a crime previously |
unknown TO this country, and one which
must be deprecated by every American. J.
am. very respectfully your obeeleni SER
want, ROBERI Z. LEE.
To George, The COuBi JoanOes,
CiIy Of New York.
TaEsPoNsE.
Uashingfon City, ID. e.. Oct. 2. 1865.
General: Your letter Of the 4ih ult,
Richmond. Va, on the 18th.
owing TO my temporary absence from
New York. IN This cily, on mission OF
peace and reconciliation. has only Tesched
me this evening Qrom sn error IN trans
mission. and hssleA 10 acknowledge Us
reeeipi.
You have given me true csHse Tor IN
pride by accepting my legal SER
vices to defend GpnersI Robrri l.. Lee ofi
against the charge -"i slledged
,resspt,: and that decision, following your