Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-01
GENERAL FITzHUGH LEE.
His Lecture in Savannah Postponed
in Consequence of Domestic
Trouble.

Some time since mention was made in the
MORNING News that General Fitzhugh Lee,
the gallant cavalry leader in the late army
OF Northern Virginia, was announced to de-
liver his lecture on ''The Battle Of Chsncel-
louisville" in several Southern cities for the
benefit of the Southern Historical Society.
This statement suggested to a number OF
the survivors Of that grand army in ssyan-
nah the idea Of making an effort to induce
General Lee to visit our city and deliver his
lecture. Accordingly letter, Of which the
following is q copy, numerously signed by
cur best citizens, was forwarded General
Lee:
SAVANNAH, GA, Nav 6, 1882.
General Fstzls1sgh Lee, Richmond, Va:
DEAR SR-Learning that you have kindly
consented to repeat your lecture on the
battle OF charlottesville" at several points
in the South for the benefit OF the Southern
Historical Society, we cordially invite you
to put our city on the programme.
Auy story of the deeds Of the grand old
army Of Northern Virginia would be of in
terest to q people who sent so many Of their
soDs to make IT'S history and share its glories.
But when the glorious field of "Chsncellors-
:
soldier aud accomplished gentleman, Gen.
Fitzhuga Lee, tine lecturer, we feel conf
dent that It will be a lecture Of thrilling in
terest and one warmly appreciated by our
people.
We therefore unite in extending you a
cordial invitation to visit Savannah, aud
assure you of a warm welcome by our
people.
I'VE omit the signatures on account Of the
length OF the list.
To this communication the following re-
ply was received:
RIcHLAND, STAFFORD COUNTY, VA,
May 10, 1882
10 Mg Confederate Comrades at Savannah, Ga
GESTLEMES-I have the honor to ackuow-
ledge the receipt of your letter inviting me
TO speak in your city, for the benefit Of the
Southern Historical Society" Believing
the proper compilation and preservation Of
the Confederate war records to be OF the
highest importance TO US all, 10 order that
future generations may have jus, app-ecla-
ton Of the military skill of our command
ers, the courage Of the Southern soldiers, and
the motives of both, | have acceded to a
request to speak at several points in the
South, to assist, so far as l can, IN placing
upon a firm foundation an organic alton in
which we are all equally interested. 1t will,
therefore, give me great pleasure to visit
to YOU, which does not conflict with ny
other appointments.
The Rev. J. VIM. Jones, Secretary OF the
Southern Historic Al Society, has charge Of
the arrangements, and will, L have no doubt,
put Savannah on his programme most will
ingly, at your bidding.
Accept my thanks for the complimentary
manner employed in conveying an invitation
90 numerouslY and II flentislly signed, and
believe, me very truly, your friend and com
rade, FITZ LEE.
This information was received with pleas
ure, and arrangements were made to have
the lecture on the 9Th Of this month.
On Saturday last, however, Major a. a.
VIM, who was conducting the correspond
ence on the subject, received a telegram
from Rev. J. William Jones, Secretary of the
Southern Historical Society, stating that cir
cumstances had occurred which would likely
prevent Gen. Lee from visiting Savannah at
present, and on Tuesday he received a letter
explaining the cause, from which we make
the following extract:
"After sending you telegram
this morning, l have just received letter
from General Fitz Lee, saying that in con-
sequence Of the extreme illness OF bis Wite's
mother he will be unable TO 90 South at
the time agreed upon, and must, therefore,
postpone his appointments until a later
period His motherin-law is expected to
die, and he cannot, under the circumstances,
engage to leave home. l need not say how
deeply regre: this las does General Lee,
but cur friends will, l am sure, appreciate
the situation, and excuse the trouble we
have given them. AS It is uncertain how
long General Lee may be detained, take it
that 1t will be too late in the season now to
attempt the lecture before autumn"
While general regret will be felt at this
pOstponement and the cause, yet 1t is graft
flying TO know that there is every prospect
that General Lee will be able ID appear in
Savannah early in the fall, and we may yet
have the pleasure Of hearing this lecture.