Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1866-04-06
Testimony Of General Lee Before the Re.
construction Committee.

timony of this distinguished soldier and pat
riot before the Reconstruction Committee, at
Washington, we make the most important
extracts, relating chiefly to Virginia, which
will be found of the most absorbing interest:
General Robert E. Lee sworn and examin-
ed by Mr.. Howard. e
@. Are you acquainted with the state of
feeling among what we call secessionists in
Virginia at present, toward the Government
of the United States?
A. [ do not know that lam. Ihave been
living very retired, and have had but
little communication with politicians. know
nothing more than from my observation, and
from such facts as have come to my knowl-
edge.
@. From your observation, what is your
opinion as to the feeling of loyalty toward the
Governments of the United States among the
secession portion of the people Of that State
at this time?
A. So far as has come to my knowledge,
I do not know Of single person who either
feels or contemplates any resistance to the
Government of the United States, or, indeed,
any opposition to it. No word has reached
me u eltuer purpose.
Q. From what you have observed among
them, is it your opinion that they are friend
ly toward the Government of the United
States, and that they will cooperate to sus-
tain and uphold the Government in the flu
ture?
A. I believe that they entirely acquesce
in the Government of the United States and
so far as have heard any one express an
opinion, they are for cooperating with Pres
ident johnson in his policy.
Q. In his policy in regard to what?
A. In his policy in regard to the restora-
ton of the whole country. [ have heard per-
sons with whom | have conversed, express
great confidence in the wisdom of his policy
of restoration, and they seem to look forward
to it as hope of restoration.
O. How do the secessionists feel in regard
to the payment of the debt of the United
States contracted in the prosecution of the
war?
A. I have never heard any one speak on
the subject. l suppose they must expect to
pay the taxes levied by the Government. l
have heard them speak in reference to the
payment of taxes, and of their efforts to raise
money to pay the taxes which, 1 suppose, are
for their share of the debt. I have never
heard any one speak in opposition to the pay
ment of taxes or of resistance to their pay
ment. Their whole effort has been to try
and raise the money for the payment of the
taxes.
@. From your knowledge of the state Of
public feeling in Virginia, is it your opinion
that the people would, if the question were
left to them, repudiate and reject that debt?
A. | never heard any one speak on that
subject; but from my knowledge of the peO
pie, I believe that they would be in favor of
the payment of all just debts.
O. What is the feeling of that portion of
the people of Virginia in regard to the pay
ment Of the so-cailed Confederate debt? '
A. l belize. so far as my opinion goes,
q have nc facts to go upon, but merely base
my opinion on the knowledge have of the
people, they would be willing to pay the
Confederate debt too.
O. You think they would |?
A. I think they would if they had the
power and ability to do so. have never
heard any one in the State with whom I
have conversed speak of repudiating any
debt
O. I suppose the Confederate debt is al
most entirely valueless, even in the market
in Virginia?
A. Entirely, so far as I know. I believe
the people generally look upon it as lost en-
tirely [ never heard any question on the
subject.
@. Do you recollect the terms of the Con-
federate bonds, when they they were made
payable ? r7
A. 1 think l have general recollection
that they were made payable six months after
declaration of peace.
@. Six months after the ratification of
treaty of peace between the United States
and the Confederate Government?
A. think they ran that way. l.i.
@. So that the bonds are not due yet by
their terms? t.,
A. I suppose, unless it is considered that
there is peace now, they are not due.
@. How do the people in Virginia--the
secessionist, more PARTICULAR y-feel toward
the freedmen?
A. Every one with whom associate ex-
presses kind feelings toward the freedmen.
They wish to see them get on in the world,
and particularly to take up some occupation
for living, and to turn their hands to some
work [ know that efforts have been made
among the farmers near where live to in
duce them to engage for the year at regular
wages.
Q. General, you are very competent to
judge Of the capacity of black men for acqui-
ring knowledge. l want your opinion ON
that capacity as compared with the capacity
of white men.
A. l do not know that am particularly
qualified to speak on that subject, as you
seem to intimate; but [ DO not think that he
is capable Of acquiring knowledge as the
white man is. There are some more apt
than others. have known some to acquire
knowledge and skill in their profession. l
have had servants Of my own who learned to
read and write very well.
@. The question | am about to put to you
| ma oh