Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-02-21
General u. b. Lees Love for Horses.

Gcnernt u. n. Lees Love Tor hOrSes'
For the Dispatch.
Colonel Freemantle, an officer Of the
British army, who was with the Con-
federates at Gettysburg, in an account
OF that battle published in Btackwood'S
in September, 1868, relates an incident
illustrative Of General Lees love for
horses. which has become historic.
General L. p. Alexander, then chief Of
artillery Of Longstreet's corps, was
present at the time referred to, and in
a conversation few days ago he gave
some particulars of the incident which
may be Of interest.
General Alexander says that when
Pickett commenced the charge he took
position on an eminence where he could
better observe the effect Of the fire
from the batteries under his command.
Captain +. NJ. Colston, his chief Of ord
nance, mounted upon a fine, mettlesomo
horse, accompanied him to the point OF
observation, where they were soon
Joined by General Lee and his staff.
After PIckett's division had gained
the ridge, and there had melted away
like a wreath Of mist at eye," cou-
riers and staif-oiIicers were dispatched
with orders to different parts of the
field. Captain Colston was ordered to
60 and give directions as to the firing
Of a battery on distant hill.
lie started off, but his horse baked,
not wanting to leave General Alexan-
der's horse, as they generally rode to-
gether.
The impetuous Captain commenced to
lash the animal, but the horse reared
violently and refused to go. Then it
was that General Lee, for a moment
forgetting the tremendous issues Of the
hour and the great responsibility rest
ing upon him, said Don't whip
him, Captain; don't whip him. I've
got Just such another foolish horse my
self, and have always found that he
could be better managed by kind
ness"
General Alexander related several
other incidents to show the kindly ma
ture Of General Lee and his adherence
Of anything like cruely to animals. lie
said that after negotiations for the sur
render Of the army at Appomattox had
begun, General Longstreet instructed
one Of his staff to find General Lee i'm
mediately, and tell him that Fitz Lee
had opened the road and the army could
cut its way out. The officer was riding
q superb chestnut mare, whose beauty
had before that time attracted the at
tention of General Lee. lie flew down
the road with the swiftness Of the wind,
and when he drew rein before the group
of officers waiting on the roadside his
horse was exhausted and ready to fall.
General Lee Immediately arose from
his seat on a pile of fence-rails and met
the breathless messenger, not to ask
what tidings he brought, what hope
yet remained, but to exclaim in accents
Of reproach and tenderness "Oh,
Colonel. you have killed your beauti-
full horse. Why did you do it? What
a pity What pity :"
Soon after this incident the attention
Of the officers was attracted by loud
blows and much profanity from a Con-
federate wagon-driver who was per
suading" his mules to pull the wagon
up a slight elevation. General Lee
was at the time deep m discussion Of
the situation, Blu, he stopped when the
sound Of blows reached his ears, and
with some irritation Of manner,
called out to the man What are
you beating that mule for? Stop beat
ing that mule" The driver, not know
ing the General, quickly replied: Il
say, old man, does this mule belong to
you: What in the h--ll have you got
10 do with this mule, anyway" Cen
eral Lee was for moment jiscCn-
certed. but a smile soon lighted up his
features as be turned to his officers and
said Well, gentlemen, suppose
there is some question as to the owner
ship OF that mule at this time, but
thought | did have something to do
with i,when | saw it cruelly treated. ="
A Federal officer DOW came through
the lines to conduct General Lee to the
headquarters Of General Grant. They
rode off, and had not gone far before
they came to a stream of water run
ming across the road. The officer
dashed across, but General Lees horse
wanted to drink. The impatient escort
halted on the other side, and not he
alone, but armies, and the events which
make up history all waited until Gen.
eral Lees horse could slske his thirst
in the waters at Appomattox Court
house.
r IL =