Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-02-24
From the Banner OF the South and Planters
Journal.
Letter from General Lee.

Letter from General Lee.
We are indebted to General Maury for
the following letter written to him by
General Lee and never before made pub
lie. Now that this great and good man
has been taken from his people, it will af-
ford them pleasure to know that In the
darkest hour of their adversely his heart
beat warmly in their behalf, and that, ex-
cluded as he was 10y the dominant power
from taking any active part in the reha-
Utilization of the South he still took deep
interest in the present and future welfare
of those whose cause he SO long, so ably,
and so heroicalIy sustained on the tented
field ::
LEXINGTON, VA May %, 1867.
M Dear General:
was very glad to hear from your letter
Of last month. the prosperous condition of
the Southern Hospital Association, and
the relief that has already been afforded to
disabled and needy men. 1 trust, that as
| our political troubles are reconciled, and
| business becomes re-establi he'd and eX-
tended in the South, that the sufferlngs Of
| all may be relieved. I feel assured that,
| under the present management of the As
ISOLATION oil will be done that can be done,
! and those who are devoting their time and
energies to this praise worthy work will
| receive from posterity, as we'll as from the
present generation, the thanks which are
| due.
As regards the course Virginia may take
under the recent laws of Congress, to
which you refer, it is difficult to see what
may eventually be the best. l think,
| though, it is plain in the execution of the
laws, that Convention will be called. ana
State Constitution formed. The cues
| ton then is, shall the members of the Con-
Yention be selected from the best available
| men in the State. or from the worst. Shall
the machinery of the State government be
arranged and set in motion by the former
or by the latter, In this view of the case.
1 think it is the duty Of ali citizens, not
DISTINGUISHED, to qualify themselves TO
! vote, attend tho polls, and elect the best
men in their power. Judge Underwood,
| Messrs. Bolts, Hunniputt, sc, would be
we'll pleased, ] presume, if the business
were left to them and the negroes. But /
do not think this course would be either
for the interest of the State or Country.
When The Convention assemblies 1t will
be for them to determine what, under the
circumstances OF the case, it will be best
for the peopls 10 do, and their decision
should be submitted to by all, as the de
cision of the State. / look upon the
Southern people as acting under compul-
sion, not Ct their free choice, and that it
is their duty to consalt the best interest
of their States, as far as may be IN thelr
power 10 do.
I hope thnt all uur friends III New Or
leans may do we'll, and that each may sue
coed III tho business which they have un-
dertaken. Every men must now look
l., y
his own good sense and Judgment to push
them onward. We have but little to do
with general politics. We cannot control
| them, but by united efforts, harmony.
prudence, and wisdom, We may shape and
regulate our domestic policy.
Please present my kindDst regards to
Generals Beauregard. Longstreet, Aoo4,
Buckncr, and all friends. Wishing you
every happiness,
am truly you're,
(Signed) II. u. LEE.
To Den. u. H. -Uuuy4.