Baton Rouge tri-weekly gazette & comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1865-18??, 1865-07-06
Am Interview with General Lee.

Northern clergyman" has lately
visited Gen. Lee. We give his ac-
count Of the interview
In my percgrinations throughout
the city of Richmond. took the
liberty, in company with Surgeon
McCracken, common friend, of
walking to the Lee mansion, un.
recommended, and In plain Repub-
lican style, rang the entrance bell.
Quickly there appeared at the door
good looking mulatto, who po-
litely waited my command. This
colored servant was very courteous
and kind. His manner was easy
and unassuming, indicating famil-
iarity with the duties of bis office,
and readiness 10 accommodate.
Sambo seemed to have a kind heart,
but was very particular as to who
we were, and what our business
was with bis master, for whom he
seemed to entertain a profound at
tachment.
"Can I see Gen. Lee" was the
simple question | put on this occa-
sion to the servant. s"This is not
the regular day when he receives
company, and he has not yet re.
ceived any VISITORS" be replied, "but,
but" and be surveyed me with a
hesitating lcok, not knowing what
to say next, when observed, "per-
haps Mr.. Lee will see Northern
clergyman in his private parlor a
little while" Your name, sir ~
he asked. "Mr. --, of -------," | re.
piled. He bid me walk into the
vestibule, and soon disappeared,
then quickly returned, and ushered
me into a parlor. ] took my seat
on one of the richly cushioned Grim
soned sofas, constituting part of
the furniture of the room, and
awaited the entree of the great rebel
Chief.
The room had nothing to orna.
ment it but one table, on which was
a pitcher OF water-another of Spar.
tan simplicity-and withal some
very ordinary chairs, My musings
were soon interrupted by the en-.
trance of the General, who with an
easy smile and a graceful simplicity
of manner, bid me welcome as a
member of Sherman's army. Gen.
Lee looks older than his portraits
generally make him. He is nearly
fifty seven years old His hair is
gray; his head large; his brow
grandly arched, and his eyes and
nose Of q generous greatness finer
than be is represented in the por.
traits. The mouth is large, the lips
somewhat fallen; and 1t is here
abont the mouth that faint feel.
ing Of vanity is visible. Gen. Lees
manners is that of a man accus-
toned to homage, which had been
rendered to him by the Southern
people and the soldiers for the last
four years. In his conversation
with me the General was extremely
affable and laxative, but he un-
doubtedly has the faculty of being
very reserved. ! agree with the
English Colonel, who pronounces
Gen. Lee the handsomest man he
ever saw. He is tall, and looks
every inch soldier. He has a
most captivating personel1e, fair
and open face, dark, liquid eyes,
glowing, when aroused, like pol
ished diamonds. His physiognomy
is Of the Corsair character. and he
is peculiarly free and degag6 in all
his attributes. He manitests no
sign of vanity or personal bravado.
There is not glance that would
betray the willing ambition that
would say, II am the man who
commanded the armies of the South
in their mission Of destroying the
'fairest framework of Government
that ever rose to animate the hopes
of mankind" Throughout all parts
of the South he is regarded as the
most consummate General of the
worId-hence when be tapitulated,
they gave up their cause as hopeless.
| conversed with the rebel leader
on a variety of subjects, upon all of
which he expressed opinions. He
was very emphatic in his utter.
ances, and seemed to have weighed
everything with studied care. The
murder of the President met with
his hearty detestation, and be re.
CARDS that terrible deed as a ca
lamity without name. To my
question, do You think the rebellion
is ended he answered very i'm