The Columbia daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1865, 1865-06-21
An Interview with Lee.

Clergyman. iateiy Paid visit to Cen.
Lee. We quote hts account of the inter.
view:
In roy preregrinations throughout the
city Of Richmond, took the liberty. in
company with Surgeon McCrackeu, com.
mon FREUD. Of walking to the Lee man.
sion, unrecommended, and in pl in repub.
lica style, rang the entrance bell. Quickly
there appeared ctthe door go od-looking
mu!atto, who politely waited my com
mand. This colored servant was very
courteous and kind. His manner was easy
and unassuMing, nd;catiug familiarity
with the duties of his office, and IL readi-
ness to accon,modate. Sambo seemed to
have kind heart, but was very particu-
lar as to who we were, and what our busi-
ness was with his master for whom he
seemed 10 entertain u profound attach
ment.
Can l see Gen. Lees' was the simple
question put Oh this occusiou to She SER
want. This is not the regular day when
he receives company, and he has not yet
received any Visitors" he replied; "but,
but, and he surveyed me with q hesitat-
ing look not knowing what to say next,
when | observed, perhaps MIR. Lee Will
see Northern clergyman in his private
pailcr little WHILE Your name, si,?"
he asked. Mr.. --, Of - replied
He bid ME walk into the vestbule, and
soon disappeared, then quickly returned,
and ushered me ipto parlor. took my
seat on one of the richly cushioned Grim
son sofas constituting 4 part of the furni
ture OF the room. and awaited the entree
OF the great rebel chief. The room had
nothing 70 ornament it but one table, or
which was q pitcher of water-another of
Spartan simplicity-and withal some very
ordinary chairs. My musings We're soon
interrupted by the entrance Of the Gene
raj, who, with an easy smile and - grace
tul simplicity Of manner, bid me welcome
as member Of Sherrnan's army Gen.
Lee looks oder than his portraits gene.
rally make him. He is nearly fifty seven
years ola. His hair is gray; his head
large: his brow grandIy urchcd, and his
eyes and nese of a generous greatness
finer than he is represented in the por-
traits. The mouth is large. the lips some.
what fallen; and it is here about the mouth
that faint feeling of vaYty is visible.
Gen. Lees manners are those of man
accustomed to homage. which has been
rendered to him by the Southern people
and soldiers for the last four wears In his
conversation with ME, the General was
extremely afable anl talkativc, but he
undoubtedly has the faculty of being very
reserved. | agree with The English Colo.
mel who pronounces Gen. Lee the band
soonest man he ever saw lie is tall,
broad -shouldercd, we'll set UP, looks every
inch soldier. lie has most captivating
pcrsonallc. fair and open face, dark,
liquid eyes, glowing when aroused like
polished diamonds. His physioguomy is
of the Corsair character, and he is pecu-
liarly free and deyagc in all his attributes
He mantests no signs or vanity or Per
sona bravado. There is not glance that
would bet:ay the willing ambition that
would say, II am tie man who command
ell the armies of the South in their mission
of destroying the 'fairest frame work of
Government that ever r"S,. to amin ate the,
hopes of mankind" Throu. hout all
parts of the South, he is regarded as the
most consummate General Of the world;
hence. when he capilulated, they gave up
the cause as hopeless.
conversed with the rebel leader on
variety of suhjects, upon all of which he
expressed opinions. He was very EN-
phatic in his uttevances, and seemed to
nave weighed every thing with studied
care. The murder of the President met
with his hearty detestation, aud he regards
that terrible deed rs a calamity without a
name. To my question. DO you think the
rebellion Is ended? he answered, Very i'm
prcssively, Yes, sir; and had ic not boen
for the politicians. it would have been
settled long ago" The politicians to whom
he referred were undoubtedly Davis.
Breckenridge, Toonibs and others of that
sort. lie believed that bitterness and re-
yenge would soon die out from both sec.
lions, and that the soldiers of the two
armies would become again united in the
bonds Of friendship and harmony.