Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1885-08-27
GENERAL FITZHUGH LEE.
Sketch of the Democrat Candidate for
Governor of Virginia.

Sketch of the Democrat Candidate for
Governor of Virginia.
Ger. Fitzhugh Lee, the nominee
Of the Democratic convention for
Governor, was born at Clermont,
Fairfax county, Va, ON November
10, 1885, and is therefore in the
50th year of his age. His father
was Capt Sidney Smith Lee, who
left the United States navy at the
breaking out of the war and joined
the Confederate navy. Gen. Lee
was grandson of Gen. Henry Lee,
or Light Horse Harry" and
nephew of Gen. Robert E. Lee.
The mother of Gen. Lee was q
granddaughter of George Mason
and a sister of james M. Mason,
who for many years represented
Virginia in the Uvited States Sen
ate, and who represented the Con-
fedsracy in England during the
war At the age Of 16 Gen. Lee
secured an appointment to West
Point. He graduated from there
in 1856. He stood at the head of
his class for horsemanship, and was
assigned to the fifth cavalry as Sec
Aond lieutenant. This was at that
period Que Of the most famous reg
iments in the army. 1t was at times
commanded by such distinguished
officers as Alpert Sidney johnson
and Robert E. Lee, Earl Van
Dorm, George II. Thomas, VIM. J.
Hardee, John B. Hood, and others
who won fame in the Southern and
Federal armies during the late war,
were officers in this regiment. Lee
saw service on the Western from
tiers, and was seriously wounded in
conflict with the Colnanch In
dians. In 1850 Gen. Lee was de-
tached from his regiment andeor-
dered to report to West Point as an
| instructor of cavalry.
The breaking out of the war founG
I the subject Of this sketch a seconc
lieutenant on duty at West Point
When Virginia seeded he promptly
resigned his commission and joinet
the Confederate army. His first serv
ice under the South was irp Genera
Beauregard's army at the battle o
Manassas. Gen. Lee became one 0
the most brilliant cavalry command
ers in the Confederate army. From
lieutenant he rose to be a major
general AT the battle of Wincheste
Gen. Lee was wounded in the thigI
by minnie ball. Three horses Were
shot nnder him during that conflict
His wound confined him to his room
for several months, but as soon as h
could do so he was again at his post
Early in the spring of 1865, Gen. LIE
was placed in command of all Of tn
cavalry of the Army Of Northern Vii
ginia. The Democratic candidate fe
Governor was one of the three corp
commanders who, with Gen. Robel
E. Lee, composed the council of wa
which determined upon the surrende
at Appomattox Court House. Ger
Fitzhugh Lees career was one OF th
most brilliant of any Commander /
the Confederate army. It has bee
said that he never sustained detei
when he was in independent comman
of an expedition. He was faultlessl
brave, and inspired his men by. h
dashing, gallant bearing. He ws
popular with officers and men. Afte
the surrender Gen Lee returned
his home, and for several years Ell
gagged in agricultural pursuits. H
owned fine farm in Stafford count
During the Yorktown Centenni
Gen. Lee was in command of all tt
, volunteer military that took part
the exercises ON that occasion. Il
was recently appointed by Preside,
t Cleveland one of the members OF tt
J" board of visitors to West Point.