Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-08
TIE TRUE sourHERxEs.
Governor Fitshash lee. OF the Old
Dominion. Pfctured az Home.

co,respondent OF the New York Press
has been travelling through the country
writing sketches OF the Governors Of the
several states. Here Is what he has TO say Of
"olir Fitz.":
Governor Fitzhugh Lee Is an attractive
man. and would receive second glance any
where, whether IN Broadway, New York, or
on BroeC street. Richmond. While a trifle
stout. he Il Of medium height, Gity-on years
old. and weighs 2is pounds. His features
are regular and characteristic, his face hand
some. and his eye is as bright and wrinkles
as merrily as II did twenty-five years ago.
Governor Lee comes OF tie welt-known old
family of Lees which figured prominently
and creditsbly 10 the history OF the Old Do
minion. The Governor served with dis
iIuciion In the late war, after having gradu-
atcd at West Point, and resigned his position
IN the United States army 10 cast his lot
with the fortunes OF the South. In 1865
Fitzhugh Lee was \ general.
He is a nephew Of General Robert 4. Lee
and a son OF stephen ID. Lee, admiral. lie
married Miss Fowle OF Alexandria, Va,
and they have five children. the eldest,
Ellen, bright, interesting and auburn
haired child OF fourteen, and the youngest
a girl baby OF eighteen months, who was
born in the Executive Mansion. BY the by,
there has only been one other birth in that
house. Governor Letcher's child, Virginia Lee
Letcher, came into the world within four OF
the walls OF one OF its spacious chambers.
Virginia Lee, the infant, is named after
the State There are three girls and two
BOYS, and one Of the Youngsters can ride a
bicycle around the Washington Monument
In the Capitol Square as fast as any boy IN
town. The Governors mansion sdtoins
and Is at the eastern end Of the main walk OF
the square. The house is owned and FUR
nishcd by the State, and has been occupied
by every Governor since 1872. IL Is PLAN
two-story painted brick building, entirely
unassumlng. but il is well situated and
comfortable bone,
The Governors folks are EDiscopalians,
and attend 50. PauPs church, opposite the
Square, the most fashionable place OF wor-
ship in the city. Ia an unostentatious way
Governor Lee entertsins handsomely. Du-
ring the winter periodical receptions are
given, which are attended with much enjoy
ment BY hundreds OF citizens and their fami-
lies, and prominent visitors 10 the city are
treated by the Governor With that hospitality
for which Virginia Is widely known. All
the children OF the family except the baby
attend private schools In the city.
The salary Of the Governor Of Virginia Is
$4,000 year, aud this sum is more than one
half OF the Governors income. He ownstwo
farms in the northern part OF the State. A
most lovely and loyable person is Mrs. Lee,
the Governors wife. In appearance she Is
tall, handsome, and possesses subtle charm
OF manner and unconscious grace that IN
stantly endears her 10 all with whom she
meets. She Is an intelligent, weleducsted
woman, and in conversation she speaks with
delicacy and in that musical low tone OF
voice that Is not uncommon in women OF
the South.
Together the Governor and his wife form
a happy, devoted couple, and in company
with outsiders there Is genial flow OF good
spirit and repartce. The Governor IS as fond
OF listening to as Of telling good joke, and,
whatever the occasion, be always gathers
around MIN party Of people who enjoy his
bright talk and hearty laughter.