The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-09-12
For the Valley virginian.l
4 "Reminiscences of Gen. Zee.

In reading q recent news paper article. headed
s'Rsnlinscences Of Gen Lee" was reminded Of the
following simple incident, which occurred during
the campaign of 1864. 1t was witnessed by only
a few peyso s, and has perhaps been forgotten
by most of them. But it made deep impression
on my mind, as illustrating that almost wo-
manly kindness of heart for which our noble
chief was scarcely less remarkable than for his
eminent qualities as soldier.
At the time referred to, Capt. G's. battery was
stationed on the brow of precipitous bluff, about
mile from the james river. The enemy occu-
pied the Valley below, their skirmishe1s being
pushed forward within easy range of the heights
above them. The two armies, for several days.
engaged in no other hostilities than frequent
interchange of shots between their picke,s. The
Confederate Artillerymen, net being engaged,
sought refuge from sutry sun under the CRATE
full shade of the trees that surrounded q private
residence, built near the edge Of the bluff, and
commanding q fine view of the river. Their guns
being in position just outside of the yard, they
loled all day on the green sward under the trees,
scarcely needing the loud shrieks of the big shells
from the gunboats, or the shrill Whirring of the
mneballs they spun through the air overhead.
While we occupied this position, Gen. Lee, with
his staff one day visited the house for the pur-
pose Of accommodating, from such a favorable
point the enemy,s lines in the valley below
His arrival at once attracted that attention and
interest which his presence always excited among
the rank and file OF the army. While the Of
fcers sat on the yerandah to rest themselves after
their ride, the artillerymen gathered in groups
at respectful distance, and noted every move
ment and attitude OF the commander-in en- ef He
seemed unconscious of the presence Of the sol
diers, and raising his field glass to his eye, he
scanned the valley below intently for some time.
He then lowered it aud turned to go again into
tho house, but stopped and said, in very quiet
tone and manner Men, you had better go into
the back yard they are firing up mere, aud you
are exposing yourselves to unnecessary danger"
This order was promptly obeyed, but looking
back, the men saw the General, apparently
conscious OF any danger for himself walk across
tho yard in the direction of d low tree that grew
a short distance from the spot where he stopped
On reaching 1t, he stopped down, and picking up
small object from the ground, placed it gently
among the branches of the tree over his head
A few moments afterwards, he mounted his horse
and rode away 30 another part Of tie lines. We
then found that the object which had SO strange
~ attracted his attention even under the enemy's
fire.. was young unRedgcd sparros, that hal fall
len from its mothers nest and lay stunned and
helpless on the ground.
This may q trifing incident, and it is in
deed thing that is worthy of mention only be-
cause Gen. Lee did it. 1t was a strange sight to
see this gray haired veteran, Injured from his
youth to the scenes Of death and carnage that
harden other mems souls, stopping to care for
1.-The sparrow that had fallen to the greund''-
This simple act beautifully illustrated that kind.
ness Of heart AID gentleness of spirit, which he
united with the loftiest courage and the most
dauntless resolution. 1t was the same trait that
manifested tselftowards his soldiers in that kind
ly tone and bearing which marked him. when
brought into personal contact with them. And
it is this trait that, adding another element to
the respect inspired by his geuus, has embalmed
men in hn ofo tha ot,I
noble of the earth. There has never perhaps,
been another great leader of armies, who could
fill the standard of the gentle poet Cowper, when
he said 81 could not number among my friends
the man who would needicssly set foot upon u
worm" n.