The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-11-17
A History of the War.

correspondent of one Of the New York
papers states that Gen. Robert E. Lee has
arranged with C. B. Richardson, of that
city, for the publication Of his ''History Of
the Rebellion" The book is now in pro-
cess Of preparation, and it will probably be
completed in the course of several months.
The articles of agreement between the par
ties are said to contain stipulation to the
effect that no alteration shall be made bv
the publisher after the manuscript gets
into his hands, but that it is to be publish
ed as written. 1t is also needless to say
that such work by such an author would
be sought after with avidity by all Ameri-
can as well as European readers
The Richmond Wig, in noticing this an
nouncement, says:
eve arc inclined to think that the writer
IS not strictly accurate in his statement.
We were informed, some months ago, bv q
gentleman who had means of information,
That Gen. Lee had been visited by New
York publisher, 1--WE believe 1Ir. Richard
son. with view of inducing him to write
q history of the war, the publication of
which, upon terms very liberal to Gen Lee
would be undertaken by Mr.. Richardson
!! We were correctly informed, the General
any agreement on the subject. But he
communicated to our informant the sense
OF obligation which he felt to do Justice to
the great army he Lad commanded, by
making a historic record Of its deeds Of
Talor, and its displays of fidelity and en-
ourancc. His personal reluctance at be-
coming the historian of events, in which
ne was chief actor, was increased by the
tact that most of his official papers had
been lost upon the evacuation of this CITY:
Dat ne recognized az of controlling force a
debt OF gratitude to the men he had COM
history 1t may be, therefore, reasonably
supposed that Gen. Ice will avail himself
,of the retirement and favoring circum-
stances afforded by his present position to
prepare history of his campaigns, and of
the achievements of the renowned Army of
Northern Virginia"
We fully agree with the Richmond Times,
that this will be work which will rival in
interest, those famous memories g OF the
Revolution" by his brilliant father. the
gallant ''LiSht Horse Harry" Of the days
of 10 General Lee is peculiarly fitted for
this work Calm and dispassionate by
temperament, of unimpeached veracity,
the most famous soldier of modern times.
who did more with less means than any
other warrior IL history, and himself q
witness of the great struggle he essays 10
chroaicle. Both North and South, in fact
the world, viii recognize the truth and
fidelity of his report. To rhomsoever else
applicable, 'to lie like q m;litary-bulletin,"
inapplicable 10 him, and Federal and
,nfedcratc believed what was placed
above the signature of ''R. E. Lee"
Though it is true that many Of his last rc-
ports We're destroyed by accident III the
retreat to AppomattoX Court House, still
the skeletons and memoranda. upon which
they were framed, were, fortunately pre-
served. To him, then, that representative
man Of the Southern cause We must look
for the faithful narration OF the late civil
war; for such is his reputation, such his
character, both private and military, that
the world VIII feel assured that he will
nothing set down, nor aught cXtcnuate i'll
malice. To General Lees work, and to
that alone, can We lool, for accuracy and
truth, nov that the late Confederate Go
vcrnmcnt has been ovcrthrUan.