Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-06-01

AN INTERVIEW WITH GENERAL r. E. LEE
A correspondent Of the Columbus (Ohio) Jou
nal, who styles himself "A Northern Clergyman "
lately paid a visit TO General Lee. We quote his
account of the interview:
In my peregrinations throughout the city OF
Richmond, | took the liberty, in company with
Surgeon McCracken, a common friend, of walk
ing TO the Lee mansion, unrecommended and in
plain republican style, rang the entrance bell
Quickly there appeared at the door good look
ing muatto, who politely waited my command.
This cOlored servant was very courteous and
kind. His manner was easy and unassuming
indicating familiarity with the duties of his
office, and readiness to accommodate, Sambo
seemed to have kind heart but was very pa r.
ticular as to who we were, and what our business
was with his MASTER for whom he seemed to en-.
tertain profound attachment.
"Can see General Lee" was the simple ones.
ton put on this occasion to the servant. This
is not the regular day when he receives company,
and he hasnot yet received any visitors" he re.
piled, ''but but" and he surveyed me with q hes
itating look. not knowing what TO say neXt when
| observed, perhaps Mr.. Lee will see Northern
clergyman in his private parlor little while."-
Your name, sir 2" he asked. Mr.. -, Of"
] replied. He bade me walk into the yesti.
bule, and soon disappeared, then quickly return
ed, and ushured me into parlor. took my seat
on one of the richly cushioned crimson sofas con.
stituting part fthe furniture of the room, and
awaited the entry of the great rebel Chief The
room had nothing to ornament il but one table,
on which was pitcher of water-another of
Spartan simplicity-and withal some very ordi-
nary chalrS- My musings were soon Interrupted
by the enterance of the General, who, with an
easy smile and graceful simplicity of manner, bid
me welcome as q member of Shermans army
Gen. Lee looks older than his portraits generally
make him. He Is nearly fifty seven years DID,
His hair is gray; his head large; his brow grand
ly arched and his eyes and nose Of a generous
greatness-iner than he is represented in the
portraits. The mouth is large, the lips some.
what fallen; and it is here about the mouth that
faint feeling OF vanity is visible. Gen Lees
manners Is that OF @ man accustomed to homage,
which has been rendered to him by the Southern
people and soldiers for the last four years. In
his conversation with me, the General was ex-
tremely afIable and talkative, but he undoubted-
ly has the faculty of being very reserved.
agree with the English Colonel, who pronounces
Gen. Lee the handsomest man he ever saw. He
is tail, broad-shoudered, we'll set up, looks every
inch soldier. He has o most captivating per-
sonalle, fair and open face, dark. liquid eyes
glowing when aroused like polished diamonds.
His physiog1Omy is of the Corsair character and
he is peculiarly free aDd degage in all his atiri
butes. He manfests no signs OF vanity or per-
sonal bravado. There is not glance that would
betray the willing ambition that would say, I"
South in their mission of destroying the fairest
framework OF Government that ever rose TO ami
mate the hopes of mankind" Throughout all
parts of the South he is regarded as the most
consummate General of the world-hence, when
he capltuated they gave up the cause as hope
less.
] conversed with the rebel leader on variety
of subjects, upon all of which he expressed opin-
ions. he was very emphatic in his utterances,
and seemed TO have weighed everything with
studied care. The murder of the President met
with his hearty detestation, and he regards that
terrible deed as a calamity without name. To
my question, aDo you think the rebellion is
ended Z" he answered, very impressively, ayes
sir; and, had 1t not been for the politicians, it
would have been settled long ago." The polti.
clans to whom he referred were undoubtedly
Davis Breckinridge, Toombs, and others Of that
sort He believed that bitterness and revenge
would soon die out from both sections. and that
the soldiers of the two armies would become
again united in the bonds Of friendship and har.
mony.