The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1870-10-17

In the Mexican W/ar-His Resigna-
tion--summary + His victories-Fhe
Surrender ut A. fpeaatte1-Hls nsfe at
Lextngton-C" .ases OF His Death--Last
Hours-The J 1Auaeral, &c.. ..r
BIRTH AND LINEAGE.
Robert sdmand Lee was born at Stratford,
Wessmo-lelana County, Va, January 10, 1907, in
the room where Richard Henry and Francis
Ngf.tfoot Lee were born. Descended from the
LEES OF Ditchley in England, one OF whom mar
ried one OF the daughters Of Charles IL by the
Duchess OF Cleveland, his family has been distln-
puished In Virginia for two hundred years. TWO
of his grand-uncles were stgners OF the Deciara-
ton OF independence. His father was the famous
"Iaehthorse Harryn OF revolutionary fame, who
served terms in the Federal Congress, and as
Governor OF Virginia, and whose lrst wife was
also Lee. Robert E. Lee was OF the issue OF q
second marrisge-the second son; OF Henry Lee
and his wife Anne daughter Of Charles Garter, Of
Shirley. 100 s't
=. AT WEST POINT,
At the age Of 12 his father died, and he was
placed by his mother In the Military Academy al
West Point, where heremained four years. graz
uaring in 1922 second in class OF ,ighteen' since
remarkable for the brnancy OF their recoras.
The Young cadet was at once apr POINTED to lieu
tenancy in the Corps ofTopographical Engineers.
In 1892 he was married to Miss Custis, the daugh-
ter OF George Washington Parke Gusts, the adopt
ed SON of General washington, and thus became
proprietor OF the celebrated Arlington estate. by
this marriage he had four sons and three daugh-
ters. For years Mrs Lee has been unable to WalS'
bus has borne her affliction with Christian lot
titude and patience which wonderfully sustain
her under her present sore bereavement
TIE EMEKIcANwkR, G.i.lI
Through the uneventful years OF military lie
between his appointment anu the Mexican war he
rose only 10 the rank Of captain. His singular
capacities had impressed themselves strongly on
his supcriors, however, and when General Seoul
invaded MexlcoT Captain Lee was appointed cniel
engineer OF the army under General wool. IN
this branch OF the service, General Lee, ike lne
great Bonaparte, won his first recognition, ana
General Scott instantly advanced the young Oh
hcer, to whose skill he attributed the reduction OF
Vera Cruz. He was placed on the general stan,
and directed almost exclusively the engineering
operations of the army OF invasion. In every
action subsequently fought during the campaign
General Scott takes occasion to mention the Skill
enterprise and wonderful judgment Of his young
aid. Lee received two promotionsfor his services
In the campaign. In ls4l he was brevetted Major
in recognition OF his brilliant cooperation at Cerro
Gordo; and later, at Chapultepec and Contreras,
he was raised to the rank Of eutenantco colonel
RETURN TO WEST POINT.
he was furthermore honored with the post OF
rotoiDtpp hfS field.
rank. In this position he remained three years,
working energetic reform and auGmenting ths
ef,aciency Of the institute by wise measures aud
profitable suggestions to Congress. Through his
recommendation, the course OF study, which had
hitherto covered but four years, was increased to
i've, rendering It as complete and rigorous as
those In Europe. In the midst Of this brilliant
/ administrative career, Congress authorized the
Jraising Of two cavalry regiments, and OF the seq
ond Colonel Lee was appointed heutenant.colo-!
mel The regiment was commanded BY Albert
Sidney Johnston. The regiment, when organized,
i In 1as5, was sent to Texas and remained ON duty
+; on. the Southwestern border until 1852.
| fighting Indians and performing general
garrison duty, On the occasion OF s9-aE
THE FAMOUS JOHN BROWN RAID
at Harper,s Ferry, Colonel Lee9was assigned to
the command OF the forces sent to suppress the
outbreak. He arrived there during the night OF
october IL 1859, finding Brown aud his motley
crew OF rsnpportersintrenched in the engine-aouse,
andnlasely besieged by Captain simrns and the
Maryland militia. Colonel Lee brought with MIN
ninety marines and TWO pieces OF artillery. He
took possession Of the armory ground close to the
enemy's position, and put his forces in camp
at O'Clock on the following morning, he order:
ed an assault upon the engine-house, which was
carried by the impetuosity Of the marines, two OF
whom, however, were wounded, and ne-iinsu-
gent shot. Brown was struck In the face with
sabre, ald afterward bsyoneted; but survived to
exp:ate'his crime npon the gallows. -.
sHCEssIoN-HIs DESIGNATION.
In 1861 Colonel Lee reoined his regiment at
San Antonio, Texas, and remained there until the
firing on SUMTER On the Goth OF April, 1851.
Colonel Lee, after service Of twenty .nve years,
resigned his position In the United States Army,
sending his letter OF resignation to General Scott
atwashington. ,IE.was in the following terms
a..r ARLINGTON, VA, April 20, 1881.
Generaz-Since my interview with you on the
18th instant have felt that ought not longer TO
retain my commission In the army. therefore
tender my resignation, which request you WIN
presented at once but for the struggle It mas cost
me to separate myself from service to which
have devoted all the best years OF my life, and all
the ability possessed. L
During the whole Of thai time--moye thaHa
quarter OF century, have experienced nothing
but kindness from my superiors, and the most
cordial friendship from my. comrades. To no
one General, have been as much Indebted as to
yourself for uniform kindness! and consideration,
and 1t has always been my ardent desire to meet
your appreciation. shallcarry to the grave the
most grateful recollectons OF your kind consider
alton, and your name and fame will always be-
dear TO me.
Save in defence OF my native State, never de-
sire again to draw my sword. Be pleased to &C
cept nv most earnest wishes for the continuance
Of your happiness and prosperity, and believe me
most truly yours, ~ n. +, LEE.
To his sister, the wife Of United States officer,
he wrote:
Ay Dear .Xster-I am grieyed at my inability to
see you. - l have been waiting
for a, more convenient season" which has
brought to many before me deep and lasting re.
gret. we are now in state Of r which will
Weld 60 nothing The whole Soulu is in a state Of
revolution, into which Virginia, after long
struggle has been drawn; and though recog.
nize no necessity for this state OF things, and
Would have forhorne and pleaded to the end for
redress OF grievances, real or supposed, yet In my
own person had to meet the question whether
ehoni3 tatn mart against nv native State. With