Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-18
MODEST GUSTS LEE.
A Man Afraid to Face q Woman, bnt
Not to Face Death.

Frons The Philadelphia Record.
ALEXANDRIA. VA, Oct. 15.-Gen. "Runy"
Lee. candidate for Congress in this district, is
doing some quiet canvassing here, assisted by
his older brother, Gen. Gusts, who is the
most popular OF the Lee family. Gen. Gusts
could have been IN Congress himself long
ago mad he so wished, but with his studlous
tastes and retiring disposition he preferred to
follow in the footsteps of his father as Presl-
deHt or w ashington and Lee University AT
Lexington, Va. 1t will be remembered That
once during the war, when Gen. Runy was
captured and about to be shot, GUSTS beggei
TO take his place. since Runy had wife and
FAMILY, while he himself was alone in the
world. Subsequent events rendered the sacri-
nee unnecessary. but the proposition show ed
the character of the older brother.
Indeed, throughout the war, nOtwithstand-
ing his quiet demeanOr, Gen. Custis was re-
Sarded as the brav est soldier 10 the Army or
virginia. His exploits resembled those OF
Gen. J K. B. Stuart, but he bad faI N ore cool
ness than the great cavalry leader. Since the
war he has lived his quiet life, loved by all the
men who kno " him, and an object OF curlosl
" 20 the women of his acquaintance As
boy he was noted for his shyness in the pres
ence Of women. The shyness grew with
wears, until when he laid down his arms he
seemed TO have acquired perfect terror OF
the sex. While he can converse fuently
ana at times brilliantly with men, he
IS almost dumb if a woman is in
sight, especially il she is young. He would
lace cannon any time rather than a woman.
FRIENDS OF his tell many a good story of his
en- 'arrassment when circumstances brought
n m into tete-a-tete with one of the other
sex. ana many of these same friends have
purposely brought about THESE same lete-a-
tetes just to enjoy the confusion Of the Gen
eral. They say that when placed in such a
situation he grows red in the face, hreathes
pa nfu ly. starts a sentence and comes to a
dead stsndstll in the middle of il, and acts
generally like an idiot of high degree.
1t Is SAID hat he is no longer on speaking
ifzhn rhT on
account OF q little trick which the latter
played on him. The Governor, as is well
known, lie lady's man of the most approved
pattern, and at no time more at ease than
when in their company Well, for years he
aad been urging Gusts 10 go into society ant
hunt up nice wife. Gusts regarded the
proposition with horror. Finally, about two
years ago. Fitzhugh invited his cousin to
meet MIN at Ravenwood, Fairfax county.
As was his custom, Custis inquired first if
there were any lady visitors at the house.
was met by Fltz in Alexandra and driven
out to RaveuswuOd. GUSTS attention
was kept closely engaged until they came up
inc avenue toward the mansion, when he be-
held with horror siXor seven of the prettiest
of Fairfax girls seated on the veranda. IL
was too late TO fee. The buggy was already
IN 'front.' OF the bevy. Custis descended with
an ag0niZing LOOK at his cousin, but the latter
only smiled benignly as he drove off to the
stables, eXclalming: "Girs, taze care of
Cousin Custis till put the horses away. He
Is IerrlDle Hlrt, so watch out for him. One
OF the girls speaking of the occasion after
wards. SAID: Gen. Custis stumbled up the
steps blushing furously, and dropping into
seat with the rapidlty of a cannon ball
glanced furtively about, crossed and re-
crossed his legs several times, played with his
fingers and actually began to sweat. We had
all agreed to feign bashfulness and M AXE him
take up and sustain the conversation, so we
said not word, but looked at him anxiously,
as II expecting him to open the c.nversatlon.
And what do you think was his opening
speech? IL was the most laughable thing
ever heard Without any preface he blurred
out: You are all pretty girls and then wiped
his forehead vigorously. At this point one of
the girls inquired patheticaly: You are not
such big flrt as Gen. FitZ says, are YOU?
Mamma told me to keep away from fiirts'
"a hirtn exclaimed the General. WHY,
God bless me, Pm not a-but FItz said that,
didn't he? | want to see FIJZ. Where IS Fitz?
Excuse me. ladies, must find him.. and away
he went. Next morning before we arose he
had left Ravens wood, leaving his compli-
ments to the young ladies and a bouquet with
each. He has not been here SINCE"
IL Ia said that Gen. Cusiis has repeatedIy
declared that he will never forgive the Gov
ernOr for that trick, and that ne will call the
next man out who tries it on him.