Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1886-11-25
CUSTlS LEE.

' a. NlatllCbi was dsSlsttu III ulb ChHs
vass by his older brother, General
Gusts, who is the most popular of the
Lee family. General Custis could
have been in Congress himself long
ago had he so wished, but with his
studious tastes and retiring DISPOSE
ton he preferred to follow in the foot
steps of his father, as president of
Washington and Lee University at
Lexington, Virginia. 1t will be re.
membered that once during the war,
when General Runy was captured and
about to be shot, GUSTS begged to take
his place, since Runy had wife and
family, while he himself was alone in
the world. Subsequent events render
ed the sacrifice unnecessary, but the
proposition showed the character of
the older brother.
Indeed, throughout the war, not
withstanding his quiet demoanor, Gem
eraI Gusts was regarded as the BRAY
est soldier in the Army of Virginia.
His exploits resombled those of Cen
eral j. Il. b, Stuart, but he had far
more GOODNESS than The great cavalry
leader. Since the war he has lived
his quiet life, loved by all the men
who know him and an object of curl.
osity to the women of his acquain.
lance. AS Il boy he was noted for his
shyness in the presence of women.
The shyness grew with years, until
when he laid down his arms he SEEM
ed to have acquired a perfect terror
of the sex. While he can converse
llucntly and at times brilliantly with
men, he is almost dumb if woman is
in sight, especially if she is young. He
would face Il cannon anytime rather
than woman. Friends tell many
good story of his embarrassment
when circumstances brought him into
tete.a-tote with one Of the other sex,
and many of these same friends have
purposely brought about the same
tete-a-tetes just to enjoy the confusion
of the General. They say that when
placed in such situation he grows
red in the face, breathes painfully,
starts sentence and comes to a dead
standstilI in the middle Of it and
acts generally like an idiot Of high
degree.
1t is said that he is no longer on
speaking terms with his cousin, Gov.
ernor Filzhugh Lee, on account of
little trick which the latter played on
him. The Governor, as is well known
is a lady's man Of the most approved
pattern and at no time more at ease
than when in their company. Well,
for years he had been urging GUSTS
to 90 into society and hunt up a nice
wife. GUSTS regarded the proposition
with horror. Finally, about two
years ago, Fitzhugh invited his cousin
to meet him at RaVenwood, Fairfax
county. AS was his custom, GUSTS
inquired first if there were any lady
visitom at the house. Receiving
negative answer, he came on, was met
BY Fltz in Alexandria, and driven out
to Rayenwood. GUSTS attention was
kept closely engaged till they came
up the avenue toward the mansion,
when he bcheld with horror six or
seven Of the prettest Of Fairfax girls
seated on the veranda II was too
late to flee. The buggy was already
in front Of the beyy. Gusts descend
ell with an agonizing look at his cous-
in, but the latter only smiled benign
ly As he drove off to the stables, ex-
"GirIs, take care Of Cousin
GUSTS Till | put the horses away. He
il terrible Hrt, 30 watch out for
him" One Of the girls, speaking OF
the occasion afterwards, said Gen
eraI Gusts stumbled up the steps
furiously, and dropping into
a seat with the rapldity Of cannon
ball, glanced furtivcly about, crossed
and re.crossed his legs several times,
played with his fingers and actually
began to sweat. We had all agreed
10 feign bashfulness and make him
take Up and sustain the conversation,
30 we said not word but looked at
him anxiousIy, az if expecting him to
opeu the conversation. And what do
Won think was his opening speech p?
1t was the most laughabIe thing |
ever heard Without any preface he
blurLed out "You are all pretty
girla," and then wiped his forehead
At this point one Of the
girls inquired pathetically; "Yon
are not such big hirt as General
Fitz says are you? Mamma tod me
to keep away from frts.
"'A nirt exclaimed the General.
why God bless me I'm not a-but
Fitz said that, didn't he? want to
see Fitz. Where is Fitz2 Excuse me,
ladies, must find him, and away he
went. Next morning before we arose
he had left Ravenwood, leaving his
compliments to the young ladies and
a bouquet for each. He has not been
here since.
II is declared that Genera! Gusts
has repeatedly declared that he will