Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-07-21
General Lees Unselfishness.

The following "reminiscences Of General
Lee are taken from the Christian Observer,
of Richmond, edited by venerable Presby.
terian clergyman. The sobriety, the self
poise, the unfailing rectitude Of intention
of the confederate commander have been al
ways as well understood as his military
genius. But the entire unsel6shness of the
man is not, perhaps, as generally known as
we find it illustrated in the following anec-
dotes. 1t may be the fashion to endeavor
to render such a man odious by the designa-
ton of "rebel0-.once considered in this
country title of honor but it may at least
be said of him, as of the rebel John Hamp-
den, that the memory Of this deceased Of
fcer is such that in no age to come but it
will more and more be had in honor
and esteem ; man so religious, and of
that prudence, judgment, temper, valor
and integrity that he hath left few his like
behind HIM" Gen. Moltke has lately said
that the great man is tested, and especially
tested by adversely. Wee see below how
Gen. Lee has borne this fiery proof of vir-
tue Whilst those who call him 'trebel'
were revealing in his estate in the name Of
patriotism, and while his consequent impov-
erishment and that of his family held out
powerful inducements to receive any honest
assistance which might be rendered him,
here is what he does-an example Of disin-
terestedness, selfsacrifce, and heroic per-
sonal independence which it would be we'll
for the country if any parallel to it could be
found among those who revile him :-Bah
Snn.
| From the Christian Observer.1
The example of the late General Lee 10
refusing all gifts and declining to receive
compensation for services not rendered. is
worth more to his country and to all who
follow it, than millions in gold. The facts
here stated will not be forgotten
( In the winter of 1864 the city council Of
Richmond rendered Gen Lee an elegant
mansion as some small token of the high
estimate in which he was held by the city
which he had so long defended. But the
grand old man replied II do not expect
to be in Richmond during the continuance
of the war, and my family are as comfort
able as they have right to- expect to be in
these times | must, therefore, with many
thanks for your consideration, most respect
fully decline your offer If you have mon
ey to give, I hope you will bestow it upon
my private soldiers, who are more needy
and more deserving than myself"
At the close of the war offers Of pecuniary
assistance poured in upon him from all
sides, but he steadfastly refused to receive
them. An English nobleman, thinking he
would rejoice in some place Of retreat from
his sfflictions. wrote to offer him splendid
country seat and handsome annuity He
nobly replied, 81 am deeply grateful, but
[ cannot consent to desert my native State
| in the hour of deep adversely. [ must abide
her fortune and share her fate.''
Soon after be took charge Of Washing
ton College be was visited by the agent Of
an insurance company, who offered him the
presidency at salary Of ten thousand dol
lars. He told the agent that he could not
f'properly attend to both: 'FBut, General"
| said the agent, eve do not want you to dis
| charge any duties. We simply wish the
use Of your name that will abundantly
compensate US. -..7s i
EXCUSE me, sir, was the prompt and
decided rejoinder. II cannot consent to
receivce pay for SERVES do not render"
He received many offers Of this sort, and
just short time before his death large
manufacturing company in New York Of
fered him salary of fifty thousand dol
lars year if he would become their presi-
dent. But to all such offers he had the
same reply-his duty in the college fully
occupied his time, and he would not receive
pay where he did not render service. He
refused to receive from the college anything
like SO large salary as they desired to ply
him, and when, last year, the trustees deed.
ed to Mrs. Lee house and annuity of three
thousand dollars, the General respectfully
declined, on Mrs. Lees behalf, to accept it.
He declined all gratuities, and thong h a
loving people, for whom he had toiled SO
heroically, would joyously have settled on
handsome property. preferred to earn his
daily bread by his personal eEertion, and
to give his people an example of honest
industry.