Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-08-06
VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION.

The Virginia Democratic State COnVen-
ton met in Richmond on the 10Th ultirno.
Full representations from all parts of the
State were present. Itwas remarked on all
sides that the personnel Of the Convention
was superior to that of any late years, and
reminded the older politicians of the great
gatherings of ante bellum days. A few
minutes after 12 o'clock Hon. John s. Bar
bour, Chairman of the State Committee, ap-
peared on the stage, and after an enthusias-
tic greeting, called the Convention to order.
In his remarks he alluded in complimenta-
ry terms to President Cleveland and his ad-
ministration of Federal affairs. He spoke
encouragingly of the prospects of success OF
the Democratic party of the State in the
present campaign, and concluded by urging
harmony and united action. ethen named
Capt. Robert Crockett, of Wythe county, as
temporary Chairman. That gentleman up
on taking the chair returned thanks for the
high honor conferred on him, and spoke at
length upon the duties before the COnven-
ton. A comprehensive platform was adopt
ed and the utmost harmony prevailed du-
ring the deliberations. A full State ticket
was nominated, headed by Fitzhugh Lee
as the nominee for Governor.
Gen. Lee was born at Cleremont, Fairfax
county, on November 19, 1885, and is there
fore in the 50th year of his age. His father
was Capt. Sydney Smith Lee, who left the
United States navy at the breaking out of
the war and Joined the Confederate navy.
Gen. Lee was a grandson of Gen. Henry
Lee, or Light Horse Harry" and neph-
ew of of Gen. Robert E. Lee. The mother
of Gen. Lee was granddaughter of George
Mason and a sister of James M. Mason,
who for many years represented Virginia
in the United States Senate, and who rep
resented the Confederacy in England dur
ing the war. At the age of l6 Gen. Lee
secured an appointment to West Point. lie
graduated from there in 1856. He STOOD at
the head of his class in horsemanship, and
was assigned to the fifth cavalry as second
lieutenant. This was at that period one
of the most famous regiments in the army.
1t was at times commanded by such distin-
guished officers as Albert Sidney johnson
and Robert E. Lee. Earl Van Dorm, George
H. 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 Frontiers, and was
seriously wounded in a conflict with the
Commanche Indians. In 1860 Gen Lee was
detached from his regiment and ordered
to report to West Point as an instructor of
cavalry. -,
The breaking out of the war found the
subject of this sketch q second lieutenant on
duty at West Point. When Virginia Sc
ceded he promptly resigned his commission
and Joined the Confederate army. Ills first
service under the South was in Gen. Beau
regards army at the battle of Manassas.
Gen. Lee became one of the most brilliant
cavalry commanders in the Confederate ar
nv. From lieutenant he rose to be
maior-general. At the battle OF Winchester
Gen. Lee was wounded in the thigh by
minnie ball. Three horses were shot under
him during that conflict. His wound con-
fined him to his room for several months,
but as soon as he could do so he was again
at his post. Early in the spring of 1865
Gen. Lee was placed in command OF all the
cayalrv of the Army of Northern Virginia.
The Democratic candidate for Governor was
one of three corps commanders VINO, WIN
Gen. Robert f. Lee, composed the council
of war which determined upon the surren-
der at AppomattoX Court House. General
Fitzhugh Lees career was one OF the most
brilliant of any commander in the Confed-
crate army. 1t has been said that ne never
sustained defeat when he was in independ-
ent command of an expedition. lie was
faultlessly brave, and inspired his men
by his dashing, gallant bearing. He was
popular with officers and men. After the
surrender Gen. Lee returned to his home,
and an for several years engaged in agricultu
raj pursuits. He owned fine farm in Stat
ford county. During the Yorktown cen
tennial Gen. Lee was in command of all the
volunteer military that took part in the
exercises on that occasion. He was recent
ly appointed by President Cleveland one OF
the members of the board of visitors to
\Toct poipt