The New York herald., 1867-04-05
TAe Great Men Of tho Cenfederacy
O the Situation.
opinions Of Lee, Longstrsst, Hood, Hanp!on,
Btaursgard, Bucknsf and Wheeler.
Good Advice to the Southern
People.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE HERALD.

Interview with General Lcc-His Rcticence .
ON Political Anairs-His Position-What he
Did dAdvise-IIow tho Southern People Should
vete-Tho Generals Popularity Esteem
In Which He ts Held, &c.
LEXINGTON, Va, March 81, 1867
After tardy and dsagreeabe ride over the most mry
road from the Natural Bridge to this place, that has
ever been my misfortune Witness arrived here this
evening, having accomplished distance or fourteen
miles In hours which will give faint idea OF the
horrible state Of the roads in this country.
Having . letter Of introduction TO General Lee,
called his residence late shs evening and was re-
oeived by himself in . kind but courily and dgniaed
manner / found him 70 be all that has been said Of
him gentleman and very shortly felt completely
In his presence He affable and very agreea-
Sle, and seemed to be well informed upon matters in
his immediate locality and the condition Of the State
generally in which he takes the deepest interest," the
welfare Of the people being evidently most at heart He
discussed without any whatever all subjects
On this head.
The General said he believed the people in this section
were probably better condition than those in almost
any Other paE Of the State, none Of them being in
tdal want Of the necessaries Of life. Some cases Of
extreme desttuton had recently been brought to his
notice. by letter. in the southern portion Of the State
and he mentioned one family Of distinction who were
sanerng He also related with feeling the case Of
his college, to come homo immediately she could no
LONGER afford TO pay his tees and stating that Of all
one those whom she before considered most faith
ful This was on the line of railroad, by which
the negroes in is vicinity had nearly all emigated
other States Speaking OF the colored population, to
whom he Ia strongly attached, their propensity
sregae In towns and cities was to be deplored rather
than 70 work steadily on farms where their labor at
the present time 30 essential and where they would be
amply remunerated. great many healthy, able
bodied men IN this town were living the earnings of
their wives, who washed for the students at college,
while they could obtain plenty of work in the country
from General Hampton had mentioned that great deal
OF descnton existed In both South Carolina and Mis-
His politics ara, like those Of General Grant unknown
end like that officer he has decided objection TO be
spoken Of in connection with political affairs re-
sble advice to the negroes in Columbia To which be
replied, $50 have heard They will soon, doubtless be
sssh Knowing his rsicence VIII rSrsrd 70
20 matters poltc alluded decately possible to the
reports that have recently been in the
papers puSporing 20 give his views TO the the
Southern people should pursue under the present cir
cumstancss when he said, "You must excuse ma. sir
= vrry peculiar one. am "a psroed pn:onsr 's.d and
have NO right to speak upon political matters, and any
diats circle OF friends rom whom il doubssss escaped
unintentonally and reached the newspaperAn i then
rns reports sladed 70 have been published in
decided effect with the Southern people," which
elected the followinga"I wish tie Southern people to
pvueperiy, scih that vcD ods favor Of c0nvn TO
accept ne terms Of e Military bil but now learn that
heSupplementary bill places that in the hands Of
the military commander" remarked such the
cas whom he sad ~ hope that every citizen who
voa will vote 10 secure the speedy restoration,
and welfare OF the country" M 1900 rf a'
During our conversation the General said he dislikcd
being paraded before the public in newspaper but Of
such importance and general interest to the public
his opinions at the present time, feel duty TO give
them 90 far - I succeeded in obtaining them in
fair and legitimate manner He confines himself his
own sphere OF duties and never reads newspaper,
that what he knows OF the situation heard In con-
versation with others he remarked that he heard
the Legislature were TO rcassemble, but he thought
the business Of the session completed they would be
more wise in staying at home-an opinion In which
merous citizens or Virginia will concur
II s . noteworthy fact that while at all previous
Of the college and institute here quares and dis
turbances between the students and cadets Of
frequent occurrence but such s the influence OF Gen.
ea Lees presence and great is the respect In which
he s held by all, that they will make any sacrifices
rather than have quarrel that might reach his ears,
and spirit Of emulation for good behavior ID
gendered between them.