Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-08
A STRANGE FIND.
4 Famous Portrait of Gen. II. r. Lee
Dug Out of an Ash Heap.

Dug Out of AN Ash Heap.
From, the 50. Louis ReD1bblioaR.
SomesiX months ago boy in the employ
of Pfeil Bauer at 5iS North Third street,
while rummaging about in the cellar, eX-
humed from the rubbish and coal heap
large picture in gilt frame, which was
so besmeared with dirt that for some time
it could not be recognized. 1t had prob
ably lain there for years, either hidden
away for some cause or another or posi-
bly, discarded and forgotten by its former
owner.
The picture was cleaned up and the boy
was given s. for his find. Pfei 4 Bauer
were Obliged to remove from their old
location, as the buildings are being torn
down for the purpose Of rebuilding, the
present beneficiary of the estate, owing
10 the death of the recent owner, baro-
ness in France. being the mother of the
celebrated raider, John Morgan. The
picture WAS taken by the owner to the
present location, $40 North Third street.
where it now hangs on the wall in the
warerOOms IN the second story. The por-
trait has been visited by many persons,
since its restoration who recognize II as
an old favUrile. 1t Is Il portrait of Gen.
Robert E. Lee, and was painted by Mat
Hastings from an original ambrotype
taken by II. h. Uric for the ladies of the
SOuthernReliet Fair, held near the close
Of the war in Larrmore's warehouse for
the benefit Of the Southern people. His
painting of Gen. Lee, which Will be re-
membered by thousands, has had "A re-
marGable history. MIR. Uric accompanied
a reporter 30 the place where the picture
is now hung, and gave the following par
tlculRrs Of its origin, strange
yicissitudes and change OF hands
so far as he knows them. He said
by the request of the managers Of the
Southern fair, he repaired TO Richmond,
Va, TO procure photograph OF Gen. Lee.
He found the General at his residence on
Broad street and made known to him the
object of his visit. " hen a boy Mi. Uric
knew the General, who was then a Cap
tain IN the United States army. residing
In Alexandria, V a., where Mr.. Uric was
/ born and brought up. 10 seemed 10 be
pleasure for Gen. Lee 10 do anything TO
aid In the objects of the Southern Relief
Association. He dressed himself In the
gray suit presented to him by the ladies
of Baltimore after the surrender, took
a position on the porch, and having
placed himself as desired. a
negative was taken in the space Of four
seconds. On returning TO st. Louis. an
enlarged photograph was made in Mr..
Urie's gallery, from which Mr.. Hastings
painted the portrait. 1t represents the
General sitting In thIee-quarter position,
/ liie-siZe, bare headed, and holding a quill
pen In the right hand. The expression Of
the face is earnest and true 20 life. 1t
has been pronounced TO be faithful like
/ ness. The canvas was put In gilded
/ frame costing $50, and was pre-
scented to the Southern Relief Fair
/ Association. After being on exhibition
l il was rallied OF, and brought 81, 900. The
I party winning the picture donated II back
to the association, when It was rallied OF
/ again for 81 900. Then IT was given % the
| Southern Relief Fair in New Orleans, and
as has been reported. brought 81, 900 IN the
rattle there, aud now il turns up In the
coal bin OF n collar. History contains
numerous instances In which rare paint
ings and forgotten manuscripts have been
| recovered from destruction and Oblivion
/ by the merest accident.