Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1865-11-28
WASHINGTON eo11aaE--aEN. Roa.r,
4

W;ASH1NGFoN GoLIHt7E--GEN. RoBiT'
z LEE.
A f1dst touching and beautiful appeal has
been made by the ladies ct Lexington, Va,
to their sisters ofthe city Baltimore, in behalf
of this memorable institution, which received
the fostering CAFE, and wears the immortal
name of "the Father of his country" Situated
far in the interic. of the State, it was for the
FIRST three yesss of the war, exempted from
injury. But in the beginning of the summer
Of 1864, the raid Of Gen. Hunter swept it in
itSdesOlatius tracks; crippled its abilities to
perform the great work for which it was or
ganized-tl.e education of youth-and it re-
manned thus disabled until August of the pre-
sent year, whei the happy thought suggested
itself to the Board of Trustees to call to the
Presidency of the College, Gen. Robert E.
Lee. Many fears were for while entertain
ed that the great soldier would decline the
appointment thus offered him; But On a quiet
morning, near the close of sttnimer, the old
war-steed, bearing the manly form of its
accustomed rider, appeared, aftS: journey or
hundred miles, il the streets of Lexington;
All doubt was at once remoTcd-the trust
had been accepted:
There is so much grandeur in the char
deter Ct BE as a christian, citizen, warrior
and friend; that History will ftd it difficult
task in ccunting all the elements OF his grea.
ness to fig its finger on those which shine the
brightest. Truly Willis judgment be of him
The elcme9ts were 50 mired in him
That nature might stand up
y ana say TO all the world-ths q man."
4 man, not only n the Eomeutous and
3eighty affairs of life, in the shock of blbodv
Battle, where the fate of nation hung upon
The swords poitt, AID whore deeds were done
Rhiehwear the undying impress of his gcrious
but a man-that rarost of mcn-.cho, 10 the
daily, ordinary walk of life, is conscious that
whatever the ciroamstalniccs b3 which be Ray
be surrounded, each hour and every station
have their duties, and with strong faith and
a stout heart marches up to their performance.
But the graphic sketch which these ladies
draw of one of the worlds heroes needs no
editorial touch at our hands
lie has come amongst US : plain citizen,
with dignifcd serenity, engaging, along with
the humblest in the community, in the effort
to support his own family by his own labor.
His estate Was, early in the war, swept away
from him, and whilst leading our armies, the
ladies' OF his household were frequently wen
derers-belOrging to that suffering class whom
VIC called '.REFuGEES." The strife over,
friends who were left With abiiry to do it.
have pressed upon Fir offers Of recuEiary
aid, alike mUnifCeEt and kororabIe. But
the ca Zero, whilst tc&chsd by tie EirGress
rejects it; ard becoaies, after his tolls and
privdtiOu and heavy cares and painful losses,
once more Il labOrer for his daily bread
There is no grander sight than that Of the
rare old man, at whose name every Southern
heart throbs with emotion, and for whose
welfare e7~:y tongue in our country uttcrs u
petition, from the tiny little lsper who, along
with the supplcation that 'God would bless
papa and mamma" adds the scarcely less hon
cred &Ea beloved name cf "Gcnerel LEE"
up, through every age and rank to the eldest
and highest-there is no grauder sight, to US,
than that ofthe simple earncsthcss with which
he addresses himself to his present duties.
and accepts, Without murmUr, his present
str2iteued accommodations
Nov, under his guidance, &c want to set
aid hope to ger our College upon its proper
and handsome footing. we desire this; pri-
marily, for the sake Of the Cause of cduca-
ton. We waEt permanent cndowG,ent of
nc* Profcssorship-tEato C. Mental Philos-
ophy. We wart means to repair the ravayes
Of war, that is to buy Philosophical ;tppara-
tus and Mathematical instruments aud books.
And re want nsw buildings particularly
houss' for the President. We have already a
handsome lot, now we rgcd imperatlvely the
building. Will yo1no help us Just here?
The h0ase, must, Of course, belong to the
College, but its fret occupant. we hope, will
be General LEE. we desire to make him a
comfortable home. Will you not aid us t2
Build aid furnish this Presidents house,"
We trust that the fair ones of the Valley
will in their own way respond to the appeal.
TO know that they have contributed even to
tbs extent Of one tile to shelter, in peace. the
head that was SO often exposed, in war, for
their defence, will be recollection as proud
as twill be grateful
GEN. JOE JCXHSOy'S VIEWS.
Gen ,ToSenh T. JabnctoD CFtIo 1oto u oLo1