Charles City intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa) 1864-1866, 1865-05-11


Robert L. Lee is one of the men
who deliberately determined to betray
his country. For many of his com
rades there is the excuse such as it
is-of passion or excitement. They
were carried away by popular fren-
zy-were victims, if you please, of the
process known as " firing the South.
ern heart" But Lee can plead no such
apology. He saw and felt the enormi-
ty of the crime he was about to com
NIT. After long reflection it was, that
he decided to become traitor. While
meditating treason, he retained his
commission, and his close relation to
the Commanding General Of the Uni
ted States armies. When he made the
plunge he made it with his eyes open
Such a man is more guilty than any
other. ~..er lila -s
During his four years of warfare on
the Union he was responsible for the
worst crimes committed in the name
of Rebellion. During the last three
years he was the most trusted and in
aueutial of the rebel military leaders.
During the last two years he might at
any time have made his will law on
any military question. Yet there is
not in existence a syllable of protest
| from Lee against any of the barbara
ties which have been practiced by the
South in the conduct of the war. The
massacre at Fort Pillow evoked no
depression of disapproval from him.
The systematized starvation Of Union
prisoners went on without objections
not only at distance, but under his
eyes. His headquarters at Richmond
were i'll sight of Belle Isle and Libby
prison where our men froze and starv-
ed 10y the thousand 4 word from him
could have reached Andersonville at
I
any moment, but it was never sent
His memory will be blackened with
the infainy of sixty thousand murders
he might have prevcntcd-nay, which
were committed presumably with his
express approval. He of course knew
what was doing he presumably coun-
seled it he certainly approved it.
Nor is he repentant rebel pleading
for pardon. What says his farewell
order to the army he had surrendered
"You will take with you the salts
faction that proceeds from the conse-
quenees Of duty faithfully performed ;
and earnestly pray that a merciful
God will extend you his blessing and
protection. With an increasing admi
ration of your constancy and devotion
to your country, and a grateful re.
membrance of your kind and gener
Gus consideration of myself, bid you
an atfectionate farewell. se..
/ r. L. LEE, General"
4 just as much traitor in defeat as
before, and his regret is not for his
treason but that it was unsuccessful
treason. Honor to such man is dis
honor to every soldier who has fought
to save the Union he fought to destroy
The Anti-Slavery Constitutions
!. Amendment has been ratified by tho
Legislature of twenty-five States, Ten
nessee and Arkansas having been al
most unanimous in its favor. New Jer
sey stands alone among the free States
, as having rejected the measure. Tht
amendment will unquestionably b
, ratified by New Hampshire. Califor
MIA, Iowa and Oregon Zone State
. more will be needed for the requisite
, three.fourths. This can easily be oil
, tanned by reversing the first decision
of New Jersey, Delaware or Ken
tucky, or securing the vote Of Flor
: da or some other Southern State.
Well Patrick, and where did yo,
come from p" Prom the Imerald Il
/ region, TO be sure" 5 4l Eas afsg