The Columbia daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1865, 1865-05-26
General Lees Views.

From the New York Herald of The
goth ult., we extract the following in.
teresting account Of an interview
between Gen. Robert E. Lee and a
Mr.. Thomas NJ. Cook. the special cor.
respondent of the Herald:
In order, if possible, to get some
clear light for the solution of the new
complications growing out of the
murder of President Lincoln, I vester-
day sought and obtained an interview
with that distinguished soldier and
leader of the rebel army, Gen. Robert
+. Lee, and was permitted to draw
out his views on the verv important
question suggested. 1t is proper to
say that my reception was every thing
that could be expected from gentle.
man who has always been considered
type OF the once famous chivalry,
ano, had almost said, nobility of
Virginia. Pen and ink sketches of
Gen. Lee have been so numerously
made Of late by newspaper writer's,
that any attempt at this time by noe
in that direction, would be work OF
supererogat1on. may simply say,
that the firm step, the clear voice, the
bright, beaming countenance, the
quick intelligence, the upright form,
and the active manner of the General.
very strongly belle the porttaitures of
him which are so common. An the
,v'sor, animation and ability of ripe
manhood are prominently conspicuous
IN his bearing. His venerable white
ha'r and beard simply inspire respect
tor the mature ideas and deliberate
expressions that come from this con-
sp'cuous rebel leader, but in no wise
convey an impression OF decay or old
age.
1t was certainly embarrassing to me,
on Introducing the object of my visit,
to say that ln,ended to lay his po-
N,ical views before the public, as his
military career had already been. His
rep'y-l ain a paroled prisoner'-at
once appealed to my sympathy. A
frank, generous man, how far may I
properly question him without touch
ing upon his views of honor in refer.
ence to his parole? But when he
added, L have never been politician,
and know but little of political leader
Il am soldier'-felt easier. Las
sqred him that I had no desire to
offend his sensiblity, or tempt him to
violate any presumable obligation
under his parole; hut that. being
prominently identified with the rebel,
hon, his views on the questions arising
out of that rebellion would he Of great
interest at the present moment. and
doubtless of great importance aud in~
flueuce in the settlement of the trou.
oles asltating the country, and with
this view only I called upon him. lie
replied, that the prominence he held
was unsought bv himself and distaste-
tul to hun. That he preferred retire.
ment and seclusion. But was ready
to make any sacrifices or perform any
honorable act that would lend to the
restoration of peace and tranquility to
the country.
Ihe Generals attention was directed
to his written and spoken determine
ton to draw his sword in defence ONLY
OF his native State, and the inquiry
was raised as to what he considered
the defence of Virginia, and what
degree OF dehberatioo he had given to
that expression. lie stated that, as
hrm and honest believer in the loc-
trlne of State rights, he had considered
his allegiance due primarily to the
State in winch he was born, and where
be had always resided. Aud, although