The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-30
LEE AFTER GETTYSBURG.
From scribner's" for Fsbruary.l

from 'Scr1Dnero D. 1Or fODru3ry.I
Although the campaign into Pennsylvania
was not 1nfruitful Of results beneficial 10 the
Southern States /; although by the recent shook
of arms and this aggressive movement the
Federal advance upon Richmond bad been ma
terislly delayed; although the State of Viz
ginia. for the time being, had been delivered
from the waste and burden of hostile invasion;
although Gen. Lee had, from perilous environ
tom proud in spirit, and with confidence un-
shaken, and was in full possession of his legiti
mate line of defence, he could bnt acknowledge
that all had not been accomplished which the
late advance was designed to compass.
"This has been a sad day for us, Colonel,
sad day, but we can't expect always to gain
Victories" was his remark to Col. Freemantle,
az sublime in his Indifference to personal dam
ger, and calm in the midst of the hurry and
confusion Of the scene, the Confederate leader
encouraged his men when, torn and worn by
the battle, they fell back before tho triumphant
roar of the Federal artillery, which swept the
whole valley and slope of Seminary Ridge
with shot and shell. As q soldier, and as the
chief captain of the Confederate hosts, he adj
mitted that he had been foiled in his aim; and
although, in his own language, If spirit Of
disappointment and discontent existed in his
army, his brother officers had been too kind
to report it. The tone of the public press and
faction with the result of a. campaign from
which grander achievements had been blindly
expected than the troops and resources en-
ployed in it's conduct ought, in reason, to have
justified. It was not in human nature. in its
most heroic development and conscious of its
noblest effort to remain, under the circum-
stances, entirely Indifferent to or unaffected by
suoh expression. Az at the time of Pickett's
repulses he said to General Wilcox, who in sor-
row reported the almost total destruction of
his brigade, Never mind, General, all this
has been my fault lit is / who have lost this
fight, and you must help me out of it the best
way you cam" 80 now, at Camp Orange, with
most remarkable. denying no responsibility,
suggesting no excuse, indulgiDg in no CEN
sures, he shielded others by Eaking upon him
self alone the soul-GepressinR burden of the
1t was under such circumstances that the
following noble letter was penned.
SCAMP ORANGE, Aug. 8. 1858
MFR. President.-Your letters of July 18th
and August Sd have been received, and have
waited for o leisure hour to reply but fear
that will never come. 1 am extremely OBJ
liged to You for the attention given TO the
wants of this army and the efforts made to
supply them. Our absentees are returning;
and hope the earnest and beautiful appeal
made the country in your proclamation may
stir up the whole people, and that they
may see their duty and perfrom 1t. Nothing
is wanted but that their fOFtitude should equal
their bravery, TO insure The success OF oar
cause. We must expect reverses, even de.
feats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and
| prudence F.; to call forth greater energies, and
70 prevent our falling into greater disasters.
| Our people have only 60 be true and united,
to bear msnfully the misfortupes incident to
| war, and all will come right in the end.
| al know how prone We are to oensure, and
how ready to blame others for the non-ful-
flment Of our expectations, This is unbe-
coming in 3 generous people, and l grieye
| to see it's expression. The general remedy Tor
the want of success in 3 military commander
| is his removal. This is natural, and in many
instances proper. For no matter what may
be the ability of the officer, II he losses the
confidence of his troops disaster must sooner
/ or later GENE.
az have been prompted by these reflections
more than once since my return from Penn
sylvania TO propose to your Excellency the
] pEcpfietY OF Heleatipg another NQmmRQueG