The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-04-14

Ne I'M. DXvn, hs vsuld have snssksd
away and left bis deludsd followers to their
iats. But 10 has pursued . more honor.
able course, in throwing himself and his
army upon the generosity Of bis country
men, and we feel that this act has much
greater significance than appears from the
correspondence with Gen. GRANT.
in this connection two letters wrlt1en
by Gen. LIE in 1861, possess considerable
interest. One Of them is addressed 10 aen'
soorr and contains Gen. LEES reslgna-
ton of bis commission after service OF q
onarter of century. The other, address,
ed to a sister, enters more fully into the
feelings which dictated that step:
ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1861.
cv~vp.1-Since my interview with you on
the 18th instant. have felt that ought not
ioTger to retain my commission in the army.
:. Won will recommend for acceptance
II would have been presented at once, but for
the struggle it has cost me to separate myself
rom service to which have devoted all the
best years of my life and all the ability pos
SDuring the whole of that time-more than
quarter of . century-I have experienced
nothing but kindness from my superiors, and
the most cordial friendship from my comrades.
To no one, General, have been as much in
debted as to yourself for uniform kindness and
consideration, and it has always been my ar
dent desire to merit your appreciation. shall
carry to the grave the most grateful recollec.
tons of your kind consideration, and your
name and fame will always be dear to me.
Save in defence of my native State, never
desire again to draw my sword. Be pleased to
uance OF your happiness and prosperity, and
believe me most truly yours,
Lieut.. Gen. WINFIELD scorr, commanding U.
8. Army.
A copy of the preceding letter was in
closed in the following letter to a sister of
the General, Mrs. A. NJ:
ARLINGTON, Va, April 30, 1861.
Ny DEAR SISTER: am grieved at my ina
bility to see you. l have been waiting "for q
more convenient season" which has brought
TO many before me deep and lasting regret.
to nothing. The whole South is in state of
revolution. into which Virginia, after long
struggle, has been drawn, and though recog.
nize 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
whether I should take part against my native
State. With all 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 nv home Ihaye therefore RESIGNED
my commission in the army, and, save in de-
fence of my native State, with the sincere hope
that my poor services may never be needed, I
hoye that may never be called on to draw my
sword.
know you will blame me, but you must
think as kindly of me as you can, and believe
that have endeavored to do what thought
right. To show you the feeling and struggle
It has cost me, send a copy Of my letter to
Gen. Scott which accompanied my letter of
resignation. have no time for more.
May God guard and protect you
and yours, and shower upon you every bless
ing, is the prayer of your devoted brother,
r. e. LEE