Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-02-10
GENERAL LEE.
A Recollection of His Bearing
During the War

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the first time ever saw General Lee
was at Gordonsville, Virginia Tt had beer
telegraphed over the country that the Fed
eral forces were advancing This, if mis-.
take not was in June, 1861, month OF
more before the battle took place. As
bad many friends in the Confederate army,
the congregation that then served as pas.
tor granted leave to their minister to pro.
coed at once to the supposed scene of action,
in order to care for the wounded and to
speak words Of consolation to the diving
On reacking Gordonsville, by way of Lnych-
burg and Charlottesville, it was aseertained
that Gen. Lee had just arrived ON the Cen
trail Railroad from Richmond, bound for
Manassas junction. When changed cars,
through the politeness of an officer, seat
was obtained for me in the same coach with
the general. He was accompanied by Col
onel Washington and occupied tho same
seat. sat just in the rear. and could,
without violation of decorum, take full OBJ
seryations. | need not enter into descrip.
ton Of his per- on at that time. Suffice it
to say he appeared to be in perfect health
his dark hair only sprinklcd freely with gray
no beard. save heavy moustache, and every
feature fresh and firm, while the eye shone
with peculiar strength. He was dressed
simply-a plain, blue frock-coat and pants
Of the same, while his head was covered with
broad brimmed, black soft hat, encircled
with neat gilt band. His manner was
very grave and quiet, only now and then
addressing word to Colonel Washington,
who sat to his right. The train moved
slowly down to Orange Courthouse. 1t
was court-day at this place, and, owing to
the excitement of the time, great crowd
had assembled. No sooner did the multi.
tude hear of General Lees presence than a
mighty shout rent the air: Many voices ex-
claimed "Lee. Lee, Lee" "Speech,
speech, speech" "a speech from Lee. -
"Speech, speech" The general sat STILL
and looked perplexed and sorrcwful. Tho
car window was thronged. and a number
bosterously demanded that the general
should show himself and address the people
from the platform. Thus surrounded, Gen.
eral Lee, without rising from his seat, turn.
ed his head toward the window and said ::
aWe have entered upon tremendous con-
tilct. 1t will tax them all My friends,
there is great deal too much excitement in
the country. am sorry to see it little
cool determination is worth a great deal of
noise" His words were uttered in way
that quoted the uproar, and the noiey crowd
saw quickly that they had misealculated the
man An old gentleman of seventy Sum.
mers then came to the windew and said -
General, will you allow me to shake your
hand In my early days spent some plea
SAINT hours in the society Of Mrs. Lee at
Arlington. l was soldier in the war of
1872, and here I am, musket in hand,
ready to defend my native State from the
assaults Of her, enemies "Gen. Lee shook
the old soldiers hand warmly, but added
tenderly, though firmly, "My friend, you
are too old for this service 60 home and
serve your country there-leave the hard
ships of war to younger men,"
On reaching Manassas no demonstrations
were allowed !; but the general stepped
quickly from the cars and went unostenta-
tionsly to his quarters. 1 saw him day af.
ter day riding over the fields, directing the
corps of ngineers and inspecting the pre-
parations which had already been made to
meet the enemy when be came. The gen
sral always appeared more Ikea model
clergyman or noble-harted country gentle
man than like great chieftain. rs. G..