Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-10-17

nf- Is published regularly on TU EEDAYS,
THURSDAYS and SATURDAYS, at 81 per
snnum-payable in advance
HIS LETTER OF RESIGNATION.
From the New York Tribune.
On the Goth of April, 1861, Colonel Lee,
after service Of twenty five years, resigned his
position in the United States army, sending his
letter of resignation to General Scott, at Wash
ington. 1t was in the following terms:
ARLINGTON Va, April 20. 1861.
GENERAL: Since my interview with you on
the 18th instant, have felt that ought not
logger 10 retain my commission in the army. L
therefore tender my resignation, which re-
quest you will recommend for acceptance. 1t
would have been presented at once but tor the
struggle it has cost me to separate myself from
years of my life and all the ability possessed.
During the whole of that time-more than a
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 10
debted ss to yourself for uniform kindness and
consideration, and it 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 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 con.
tinuance of your happiness and prosperity, and
believe me most truly yours. Il. E. LEE.
LETTER TO HIS SISTER.
10 his sister, the wife of an officer loyal to
his flag, be wrote
"MY DEAR SISTER Il am erieved at my
inability to see you. L
have been waiting for more "conveDlent sea-
SOD" which has brought to many before me
deep and lastiog regret. We are now ia 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 Tor this
state of things, and would have iorborne and
pleaded to the end for redress of grievances,
real or supposed. yet in my own person l had
10 meet the question whether L should take
part against nv native State. With all my
devotion to the Union, and the feeling OF 10y
atty and duty OF an American citizen, have
not been able to make up my mind 10 raise my
hand against my relatives, my children, my
home [ have, therefore. resigned my com
mission in the army and save 10 defense OF my
native State-with the sincere hope that my
DOOR services may never be needed hope l
may never be called upon to draw my, sword.
This was the only "defnition of his posi-
tion" ever given by him. His resignation was
instantlx. accepted, aud he at once took up his
residence in Richmond as commander of the
forces OF Virginia.
From the Philadelphia Press.
Ap extract from letter written by his w'te
\ - 81 ind hofnra dpnlhlnp
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 independence. Ice had once
in letter to his son at West Point, COUNSEL
ing him to do his duty at all times, given ut
terance to the sentiment, '.'Duty is the suoll-
NEST word in our language.
His RECEPTION IN VIRGINIA.
From the Norfolk Vlrgnlau.
Having thrown up his com mission he repair
ed to Richmond, where be offered his sword to
his native State, the reply to whioh was ms 5
anpointment as Maor-Geueral IN command OF
the Virginia troops. We all remember the
grand reception awarded him by the conVen-
ton, and few more solemn or august spectaces
have adorned our annals than was presented
on that memorable occasion.
The venerable Mr.. Janney received him ID
a speech marked by genuine eloquence which
lent additional solemnity to the impressive
scene.
General Lee replied with characteristic mod
esty and said "Mr. President and Gentle
men of the Convention impressed
With the solemnity of the occasion, tor which
| must say was not prepared, l accept the
position assigned Inc by your, partlallty. l
would have much preferred had your choice
alen upon an abler man. Trusting IN Al
mighty God, an approving conscience and the
aid of my tellow-citzens, | devote myseli 10
the service OF my native State'ln whose behalf
alone will | ever again draw my SWORD.
IN this brief response TO the address deliver
ed by the president OF tho convention, we see
that the animating lIinciple which controlled
General Lee was that Of duty, and that he
looked to his God and his conscience Tor the
approval of his momentous decision.
HIS LAST GENERAL ORDER
When the terms OF surrender had been
agreed on, General Lee published the follow
ing order to his heroic troops:
HDoRs ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
April 10, 1865.
After four ycais Of arduous service, marked
by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the
Army OF Northern Virginia has been compelled
to yield to overwhelming numbers and resour-
ces. need not tell the survivors of so many
hard fought battles, who have remained stead
fast to the last, that | have consented TO this
result from no distrust of them, but feeling
that valor and devotion could accomplish moth
log that could compensate for the loss that
would have attended the continuation of the
contest [ have determined TO avoid the usc-
less sacrifice ot those wuose past services have
sndeared them 10 their countrymen By the
terms OF the agreement officers. and men can
retnrn 70 their homes, and remain there Until
exchanged-
You win take with you the satisfaction that
nroceeds from the consciousness OF duty faith
iulIy performed. and earnestly pray that q
mercifuI God will extend to you His blessing
and nrotectiop. With an unccaslng admra-
ZION Of your oonstancy and devotion to you1