Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-11-01
Spirit n9 gstfsrsnn,
DALGARN & HAINEs. Publishers.
tuesday Morning, November 1, 1870.
Historical "reminiscences of Gen. Lee.
from the Norfolk virginian.l
MAGRUDER's ANEcDoTE.

in the most homey phrases it is eloquent in
its suggestions. tt
After the fall of Mexico, when the Amer
ican army was enjoying the ease and relaxa-
tion which it had bought by toll and blood, a
brilliant assembly of officers sat over their
wine, discussing the operations of the siege
and indulging hopes ofa speedy return to the
United States.
One among them rose to propose the health
of the Captain of Engineers, who had found a
way for the army within the city; and then
it was remarked that Captain Lee was absent.
Magruder was dispatched to bring him to the
hall, and, departing ON his mission, at last
found the object of his search in remote room
of the palace busy map.
NIagruder accosted his friend and reproach-
ed him for his absence.
The earnest worker looked up from his la
bors with that calm, mild gaze which we all
remember, and pointinggto to his instruments,
shook his head.
"But," said Magruder, in his impetuous
way, ''this is mere drudgery Make somebody
else do it and come with me-"
"No," was the reply. 'No. I am but
doing my duty"
HIS LETTER OF DESIGNATION.
LFrom the New York Tribune.l
On the Goth of April, 1861 Colonel Lee,
after service of twenty five years. resigned
his position in the United States army, send
ing his letter of resignation to General Scott,
at Washington. 1t was in the following
terms:
ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1861.
General: Since my interview with you on
the 18th instant I have felt that [ ought not
longer to retain my commission in the army.
.I,o prh ;ob 7
request you will recommend for acceptance.
1t would have been presented at once but for
the struggle it has cost me to separate myself
from service to which have devoted all the
best years of my life and all the ability pos.
sessed.
During the whole of that time-more than
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 in
debted as to yourself for uniform kindness and
consideration, and it has always been my
dent desire to meet your appreciation. | shall
carry to the grave the most grategul recollec-
tions 70 your kind consideration, and your
name and fame will always be dear to me.
Save in defence Of my native State,
never desire again to draw my sword. Be
pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for
the continuance of your happiness and pros
perity, aud believe mo tuost truly yours.
r. e. LEE.
LETTER TO HIS SISTER.
To his sister, tho wife of an officer loyal to
his flag, he wrote:
"My DEAR SISTER am grieved at my
inability to see you. |
have been waiting for moro convenient
season. which has brought to mauy before me
deep and lasting regret We are now in
state of war which will yield to nothing. The
whole South is in state of revolution, into
which Virginia. after long struggle, has
been drawn; and though recognize noneces-
sity for this state of things, and would have
forborne and pleaded to the end for redress of
grievances, real or supposed, yet in my own
person [ had to meet the question whether [
should take par. against my native State
With all my devotion to the Union, and the
feeling of loyalty and 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
cere hope that my poor services may never be
needed hope 1 may never be called upon
to draw my sword"
This was tho only "de6nition of his posi-
tion" ever given by him. His resignation was
instantly accepted, and he at once took up his
residence in Richmond, as commander of the
forces in Virginia.
From the Philadelphia Press.
An extract from letter written by his wife
reveals the conflict in his mind before de-
Gliding upon his course: Only husband has
wept tears of blood over this terrible war
but he must, as a man of honor and Vir-
ginian, share the destiny of his State, which
has sOlemnly pronounced for independence" !"
Lee had once in a letter to his son at West
Point, counselling him to do his duty at all
times, given utterauce to the statement, "Duty
is the sublimest word in our language"
HIS RECEPTION IN VIRGINIA.
From the Norfolk yirginian.
Having thrown up his commission he re-
paired to Richmond, where he offered his
sword to his native State, the reply to which,
was his appointment as Major General in CON-
mand of the Virginia troops. We all remem-
ber the grand reception awarded him by the
convention, and few more solemn or august
spectacles have adorned our. annals than was
presented on that memorable occasion.
The venerable Mr.. Janney received him in
speech marked by certain antique pomp,
| which rose to genuine eloquence at the end of
his address, and lent additional solemnity to
the impressive scene.
General Lee replied with characteristic
modesty and said: "Mr. President and Cen
tlemen of the onvention-Prof0undly i'm
pressed with the solemnAy of the occasion, for
which must say 1 was not prepared, 1 ac-
cept the position assigned me by your partiali-
! ty I would have much preferred had your
choice fallen upon an abler man. Trusting in
Almighty God, an approving conscience and
the aid of my elow>ctizens, I devote myself
to the service of my native State, in whose
behalf alone will ever again draw my sword.
In this brief response to the elaborate ad-
dress delivered by the president of the con-
vention, we SEQ that the animating principle