South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1870-10-28
Historical "reminiscences Of &C.
neral Lee.
HIS LETTER OF RESIGNATION.

ter OF resignation to General Scott, at Washing
ton 1t was in the following terms
ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1861
GENERAL: Since my interview with you
on the 18th instont, have felt that | ought
not longer to retain my commission in the
army. therefore tender my resignation,
which | request you will recommend for
acceptance. IL would have been presented
at ouce but for tho struggle it has cost me
to separate myself from n service to which
have devoted all the best years of my life
and all the ability possessed.
During the whole of that time-more
than a quarter of a century, have cxpe-
rlenced nothing but kindness from my su-
periors, AID the most cordial friendship
from my comrades To no one, General,
have l been as much indebted as to your
self for uniform kindness aHd consideration,
and 1t has always been my ardent desire to
meet your appreciation. shall carry to
the grave the most grateful recollections Of
your kind consideration, and your name
ard fame will always be dear to me.
Save in defence of my native State, ne.
yer desire again to draw my sword. Be
pleased 10 accept my most earnest wishes
for the continuance of your happiness and
prosperity, aud believe me most truly yours,
r Z. LEE.
A LETTER To Ills SISTER.
To his sister, the wife of an officer loyal to his
flag, he wrote:
only DEAR SISTER Il am gricved at
my inability to see you. !
have been waiting for a more convenient
season. which has brought to many before
me deep and lasting regret We are now
in a state Of war which will yield to moth
ing. The whole South is in a state of re-
volution, into which Virginia, after long
struggle, has been drawn; and though re
cognize no necessity for this state of things,
and would have forborne and blended to he
end for redress of grievances, real or sup
posed yet in my own person had to meet
the question whether | should take part a.
gainst my native State. With all my de-
votion to the Union, and the feeling of 10y
atty aud duty of an American citizen, have
not been able to make up my mind to raise
my hand against my relatives, my children,
my home. have, therefore, resigned my
commission in the army and save in defense
of my native State-with the siacere hope
that my poor services may never be need
ed hope | may never be called upon to
draw my sword"
This was the only "deinition of his posi-
ton" ever given by him. His resignation
was instantly accepted, and he at once took
up his residence in Richmond, as comman-
der of the forces of Virginia.
From the Philadelphia Press
An extract from a letter written 10y his
wife reveals the conflict in his mind before
deciding upon his course :-"My husband
has wept tears Of blood over this terrible
war; but he must as man of honor and
Virginian, share the destiny of his State
which has solemnly pronounced for indie
pendence" Lee had once in a letter to his
son at West point counscll,d him to do Iii,
duty at all times, given utterance to the
sentiment, "Duty is the sublimcst word in
our language"
HIS RECEPTION IN VIRGINIA.
From the Norfolk yrgiuian.
Having thrown up HE commission he re.
paired to Richmond, where lie offered his
sword to his native State, the reply to which
was his appointment as Major. General in
command Of the Virginia troops We all
remember the grand reception cwardcd him
By the convention, and few more solemn or
august spectacIes have adorned our annals
than was presented on that memorable oc-
cdsiun
The venerable Mr. Janney received him
in a speech marked By genuine eloqucnce
which lent additional solemnity to the i'm
prcssive scene.
General Lee replied with characteristic
modcsty and said "Mr President and Cen
tlemen Of the Convcntion-Pr Profoundly i'm
pressed with the solcmniiy Of the occasion.
for which must say was not prepared,
accept the position assigned me by your
Partality. | would have much preferred
had your choice flllon upon an ablcr man.
Trusting in Almighty God, an approving
conscience and the aid Of my fel ow citizens.
devote myself to the service Of my native
State, 10 whose behalf alone vii. l ever a.
gain draw my sword"
10 ibis brief response 10 the address de.
iivored by the president Of the convention.
We sec that the animating principle which
controlled General Lee was that If duty,
and thst he looked TO bis God and his con-
science FIR The approval Of bis momeutous
decision
HIS LAST GENERAL ORDER
When The terms Of surrender had been agreed
on, General Lee published Che f9llowng order to
his heroic troops
HI1ys Arny Noyioa T1gmia, J
April 10, 1865