The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-10-13

tWe0ty-Sl years OF aye, eeTNeu curing tue Wul
on the staff of jeff. Davis aud subsequently on
that of his cousin, General Fitzhugh Lee. OF
General Lees four daughters, one died some
years ago, and the others we're recently living
at Richmond, all unmarried.
On his graduation Lee was assigned to the en-
gineer corps and promoted second liautenant
July l. 1929. In 1885 he served as assistant
astronomer for the demarcation of the boundary
line between the States of Ohio and Michigan.
September 81, 1886, he was promoted fret lieu
tenant; and in 1888, July Z, he was made a cap
tain. When the Mexican war began he was
placed on the staff of Brigadier-G General WOOL
and during the campaign of 1846 he was chief
engineer of Wool's army. AT the battle of Cerro
Gordo, April 1S, 1S47, he was breveted major for
gallantry. In the August following he again
won brevet rank by his meritorious
conduct at Contreras and Cherubusco. In
the assault on Chapultepec, September
13, 1847, he was wounded, and received
therefor the brevet promotion of lieutenant
colonel. July 21, 1848, he was appointed
member of the Board of Engineers, and re-
mained as such until 1850 In 1852 Lee again
visited Europe, this time under orders, accompa-
nying General then Captain, George B. Mcclellan
as commissioner to study the proceedings of the
French and English armies before sebastopol.
Cavalry in 1855. This position he retained until
March 16, 1861, when he was promoted Colonel
of the 1st Cavalry. He held the position but
little over month"; resgning on April 90 to
take his place in the ranks of the Rebel army.
General Lee, in taking this step, felt himself
to be in the wrong, and acknowledged it; but
he endeavored to palliate his course in weak
way, the following letter written to his sister
being the only apology he could devise for turn
ing his swerd against the flag under which he
had seen such long and honorable service:-
ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1S6l.-My Dear Sister,
o at my nsS to see ou 6e naye oeea
brought to many before me deep and lasting regret
Now we are 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 no necessity 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 / would take part
against my native State. with all my devotion TO
the Union, and the feeling OF loyalty and duty of an
my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my
children my home. have, therefore, resigned my
commission in the army, and sdre in d.ense Of my
native State, with the hope that my poor services
may never be needed, hope may never be called
on to draw my sword.
know you will blame me, but you must think as
kindly of me you can and believe that have en-
deavored to do what thought right To show you
the feeling and struggle it cost me, send copy of
my letter to General Scott, which accompanied
my letter of resignation. have no time for more.
X. +. LEE.
The letter addressed to General Scott in which
he announced his resignation from the army is
of less value than the above as an index to his
motives. 1t read as follows-
ARLINGTON, Va, April 20, 1s6l.-General: Since
my interview with you on the 18th inst have felt
that ought not longer to retain my commission in
the army. therefore tender my resignation, which
request you will recommend for acceptance. 1t
would have been presented at once but for the
service to which have devoted all the best years of
my life and all the ability possessed.
| ter of century, have experienced nc thing but
| Kindness from my superiors and the most cordial
friendship from my comrades. To no one, General.
have been as much indebted to yourself for
| uniform Kindness and consideration, and it has
always be en- my ardent desire to merit your appro-
baton shall carry to the grave the most CRATE
| full recolections Of your kind consideration, and
your name and fame will always be dear to me.
Save in defense OF my State, l never desire to
draw my sword. Be pleased to accept my most
earnest wishes for the continuance OF your happi-
ness and prosperity, and believe me, most truly
Lieut. General WINFIELD SCOTT
Commanding United States Aarmy.
But, having once determined ''to go with his
8 ate, he entered into the struggle with all his
energy, and rose rapidly to the position of the
most brilliant and capable soldier in the Confe
derate army. His first service began shortly
after his retirement from Arlington in April
|
August 1861, was assigned to the command o
Garnetts (Rich Mountain) army. He soon afte
encountered General j. J. Reynolds Brigade a
Cheat Mountain, and was defeated with heav,
loss, and was compelled to retreat upon Genera
Floyds fortified position, and by joining hi
forces to theirs, endeavor to regain his los
grbund. He made several efforts, but befor
anything important could be accomplished th
rigors of winter had declared q truce, and Le
was recalled to Richmond Thus far, his mill
tary career was regarded as failure by thu
Southern leaders.
At Richmond he was first on duty in the Ad
jutant's Office of the War Department and die
not again figure prominently in the war unit
during the battles before Richmond in the sprin,
of 1862 when, by the wounding of General Jo
Johnston, he was again placed in command
this time of the largest of the Rebel armies.
was a fortunate honor for him. Mcclellan hat
been weakened by his long campaign. Tn
Rebels had strengthened their army by ever
means in their power. Lee at once achieved
grand reputation by stopping McClellan's ad
vance and by following him to his gunboats o.
the James river
The moment that Richmond became relieve
by McClellans evacuation of Harrison's Land
ing, Lee began arapid movement by Fredericks
burg against Washington. His Intention was
strike General Pope, who held the Shenandoah
valley, and destroy him before Mcclellan coul
come up, and then march directly upon Wash
ington. The march was made with grea
rapidlty, and the attack with much energy, bu
failed. The junction of the two forces wa
made during the three days battle at Manassas
in August, 1862, generally known as the secon
battle of Bull Run. Although Lee was brougt