Weekly Trinity journal., 1865-11-11
George Jones, alias ssthe Count Joannes,,
Makes ASS of Himself and N Fool of
General Lee,
Correspondence of the New York Me,us.

Correspondence of the New York Nns
WAsHNGToN ID. C.), Oct. 3-Midnight.
| hasten to place before your readers. e..
the public-the following correspondence and
even nv enemies should cease to envy and ma
lgn, when, as forgiving foe, can point to so
bright pa ge in my biography as is unfolded bv
the subjoined autograph letter from General
Robert E. Lee, in accepting my proffered legal
services against the charge of alleged treason
His remarks in regard to the assassination of
President Lincoln will be received throughout
the country with interest and belief-and in aid
of the Christian policy of reconstruction BY
President Johnson.
That which allude to in the latter portion of
my subjoined response in reference to nv inter-
views with the Secretary of War and Attorney
General, will be transmitted either tomorrow or
next day for the public. forming another of my
letters from Washingt ngton-folowing this CORES
pondence, and as adjunct to it.
Respectfully, The CoUST JoAEYEs.
CITY OF NEW YORK (N. ", Aug. Il, 1865.
To General Robert E. Lee, of Virginia-Gene-
raj {: | herewith nclose copy of my public let
ter to his Excellency the President of the United
States, published in the New York Neus 1t is
written in patriotic loyalty and knowledge Of the
laws
In the latter part honestly profer my legal
services (gratuitouslv, of course) to defend YOU
treason preferred by Indictment against each
of you at 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 unanswerabe and conclusive
upon the subject matter contemplated.
In 1910 received, in the city of Richmond
(Va.), the gold medal for my public Grafton in
that Capital upon the National Independence
July 4, lS4O). My sentiments of patriotism
~. l.
authority to renew the offer of my legal services,
as a champion of the Constitution in its full in
tegrity, and in which, politically, in the words
Of St. Paul, % 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 Presidential letter and this to yourself are
duly appreciated by you, and my legal services
accepted, should they be required, or in other
words, should you be arraigned upon the charge
of treason.
Ny hearted detestation of the murder of Pres
dent Lincoln Though by monomariac), does,
am sure, meet the perfect sympathy of every
gentleman in the South. letter from you to
that effect, and which | could publish in
chief journals, would have good effect to soften
harsh asperites in the North, and thus smooth
the way to reconciliation. Soliciting your eari-
est reply. Yours respectfully,
GEORGE, THE COUNT JoANNEs.
ANSWER BY GENERAL LEE.1
NEAR CARTERsvILLE (Va.), Sept. 4, 1865.
Sir: received, few days since, your COM
municaton of the 18th ultmo transmitting
copy of your published letter to the President of
the United States.
Your arguments and conclusions are duly ap-
precated, and am exceedingly obliged to you
for the offer Of your legal servicc-to defend me
against the charge of treason. Should they be-
come necessary, they will be gratefully accepted.
In your letter to me, you do the people of the
South but simple justice, in believing that they
heartily concur with you in your opinion (and
- hearted detestaton in regard TO the asSassi
nation of the late President Lincoln. 1t is
crime previously unknown to this country, and
one which must be deprecated by every American.
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT E. LEE
To George, the Count Joannes, City of y. Y
[REspoNsE
WASHINGTON Cd. CT, October .. 1863.
General Your letter of the 4th utin'o, post
marked Richmond (Va1 on the 18th, owing to
my temporary absence from New York in this
city, on mission of peace and reconciliation,
has only reached me this evening from error
in transmssion), and hasten to acknowledge
its receipt.
You have given me true causc for intellectual
pride by accepting my legal services to defend
General Robert Z. Lee. of Virginia. against the
charge of treason, and that decision. following
your attentive perusal of my public letter 70 the
President Of the United States upon the theme
Of q What is Treason etc.
Free as 4 mountain eagle, and aspiring for
al honorable and sunlight distinctions, and
which have received in Europe and America,
yet hold them rs feathers in the scale OF honor
when compared to the greater distinction which
von have bestowed upon me and my intellect
and to have achieved which amply repays me for
my many years of lahorous practical studies OF
the Constitution and laws of this country, and OF
all other nations ancient and modern.
The spirits of Daniel Webster and Henry
Wheaton my former tutors and friends, are at
this moment invoked by me in all their Intellect
ual grandeur and patriotism, to sustain me IN
my loyal duty and accepted services.
And this extends also to the captive in Fortress
Monroe, in whose behalf, within the last forty
eight hours, have had two courteous interviews
with the Hon. the Secretary of War, and one OF
deep interest with the Attorney General, followed
by petition to the President for the action of
His Excellency and his Cabinet Council of Adj
ministration, the Secretary of War admitting
that my loyalty and patriotism were unqGestion-
able.
could enlarge upon these interviews, but
reserve description of them for my public letter
to the same journal as contained my address to
the President.
have the honor, General,
To remain your fellow citizen.
Truly and respectfully,
GEORGE, THE COUNT JoASNEs.
To General Robert E. Lee. Virginia.