Nashville union and dispatch. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1866-1868, 1867-04-10
INTEREIEW WILL Gan. LEE.

! HIS Reftcence ON Political Affairs
HIS POsilion-What He Did Advise
How the SoufheFn People should
VOte-The Generals Popularity
The Esteem in which He ~ Held, etc.
LExIEGToN, Va, March 81, 1S67.-After
q tardy and disagreeabe ride ever the most
miry road, from the Natural Bridge to this
place, that il has ever been my misfortune
70 witness, / arrived here this evening,
having accomplished a distance Of four
teen miles in seven hours, which viii give
a faint idea of the horrible state of the
roads in this country.
Having a letter of Introduction to Gen.
Lee, / called at his residence late this even-
ing and was received by himself in kind
but courtly and dignifed manner found
him to be all that has been said of him as
gentleman, and very shortly felt COM
pletely at ease in his presence. He was
alable and very agreeable, and seemed to
be well informed upon matters in his i'm
mediate 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 dis
cussed, without any reserve whatever, all
subjects on this head.
The General said he believed the people
in this section we're probably in a better
condition than those in almost any other
part Of the State. none of them being in
actual want Of the necessaries of life. Some
cases Of extreme destitution had recently
been brought TO his notice, by letter, in the
southern portion Of the State, and be men,
toned one family of distinction who were
suffering. He also related, with some
feeling, the case Of a lady in Alabama, who
had written to her son then at his college,
70 come home Immediately, as she could no
longer afford TO pay his fees, and stating
that Of all the negroes they had had every
one had deserted her save one, even those
whom she before considered most faithful.
This was on the line of some railroad, by
which the negroes in its vicinity had near
ly all emigrated to other States. Speaking
Of the colored population, to whom he is
strongly attached, their propensities to con-
gregate in towns and cities was to be de-
plored, rather than to work steadily on
farms where their labor was at the present
time 80 essential, and where they would be-
amply remunerated. A great many healthy,
able-bodied men in this tewn we're living
on the earnings Of their wives, who washed
for the students at college, whilethey could
obtain plenty Of work in the country. The
General also remarked that letter he had
received from General Hampton had men,
toned that great deal Of destitution ex-
listed in both South Carolina and Missis-
sippi. EEtI aFF&Ur
His politics are ike those Of Gen. Grant,
unknown; and, like that officer, he has a
decided objection to be spoken of in con-
neciion with political affairs. l remarked
I" General Hampton has been giving some
sensible advice to the negroes in Columbia"
To which he replied, 80 I have heard.
They will soon, doubtless, be able TO Judge
for themselves, and should be educated 10
such standard" Knowing his reticence
with regard 10 matters polite, alluded as
delicaiely as possible TO the reports that 4
have recently been promulgated in the
newspapers purporting 10 give his views as
10 the course the Southern people should +
pursue under the present circumstances,
when be said, "You must excuse me, sir,
from expressing myself upon that subject.
My position is a very peculiar one. / am
paroled prisoner, and have no right to
speak upon political matters, and anything |
that | may have said has only been among
my immediate circle Of friends from whom
il doubtless escaped unintentionally, and
reached the newspapers" j then remarked,
[" The reports alluded TO have been pub
lished in the entire press of the country,
and in this way will have a decided effect
with the Southern people" which elected /
the following: | wish the Southern peo-
pie 10 take such measures "a will most /
speedily restore them 10 their prosperity
with that view | was in favor of a conyep-
tion TO accept the terms Of the military bill. /
but now l learn that the supplementary |
bill places that power in the hands of the /
military commander" / remarked such
was the case, when be said, "I hope that
every citizen who can vote, will vote so as
10 secure the speedy restoration and well
fare Of the country"
During our conversation the General
said he disliked being paraded before the
public in newspapers but Of such impor-
lance and general interest to the public are
his opinions at the present time, / feel il
duty 10 give them so far as | succeeded in
obtaining them in a fair and legitimate
manner. He confines himself to his own
7phere Of duties and never reads a news
paper, so that what be knows Of the silua-
ion is heard in conversation with others.
lie remarked that he had heard that the
Legislature were to reassemble, but he
houghtif the business of the session was
they would be more wise in stay
ng at home-an opinion in which numer.
rus citizens OF Virginia will concur.
IL is a noteworthy fact, that while at all
previous sessions Of the college and insti-
ute here, quarrels and disturbances be-
ween the students and cadets we're of fre
luent occurrence, such is the influence of
+en. Lees presence, and so great is the re-
peet in which he is held by all, that they
vail make any sacrifices rather than have