The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-08
GEN. LEES TACT.
Tho Graceful Manner With Which He
Disposed OF Bores.

Tho Graceful Manner With Which He
Disposed OF Bores.
From an anccdotal article by Mrs. Mar
garct j. Preston in the June Century we
quote the following
Fewmen we're more skilled in the avoid.
ance Of everything that could wound the
feelings OF others. On the occasion Of
Gen. Lees being summoned TO Washing
ton TO give testimony, an incident oc-
cured which illustrates this characteristic.
A connection Of my own, who attended
him as one OF his complimentary staff, told
mo that when in Washington there were
multtudes OF persons--and among them
many Of the most distinguished in
the land, North and South-seek-
ing audience with Gen. Lee; evening
after evening was occupied with these
interviews. Again and again had my
friend been bcset by person who had no
claim to be presented, and rs often had
ho been waived aside on the plea that
the number of gentlemen coming 10
be introduced was so great M 10 emharass
his professional staff. But this persistent
Confederate watched his opportunity and
made the most Of IL. Coming up 10 Col.
NJ when no was little of his
guard, he whispered, Take me up now;
there is nobody being introduced at this
moment"
"But don't you SEQ that the General is
surrounded by "A group OF officers and
Congressman, and that II won't do 20
break in upon their conversational"
But the old soldier would not be shaken
of. SO Col. NJ thought the best way
TO end the matter would be 10 lead him up
10 the General, and thus in moment put
a stop 10 his pertinacity. Taking him, ac-
cordingly, by tho arm, ho drew him for
ward. The large circle opened and al
lowed n pathway, and tho man was pre-
scented In due form and received with as
much courtesy sif he had been prince Of
the blood. Col. NJ was about 10
lead him instantly away, when he sud
denly stepped into the open space where
the group had made way for him, and In
a rather loud voice said
General, have always thought that u
| ever hal the honor Of meeting you face
10 face, and there was nm opportunity
allowed me. I would like 10 ask you u
question which nobody but you can
answer. seem 10 have that opportunity
now. This Is what want 10 know: What
was tho reason that you failed 10 gain the
victory at the battle Of Gcltysburg2'
To have such an ill-timed question drop.
ped like a bomb-shcll In such n presence
was, TO say tho least Of II, embarrassing,
and some curt rcjoinder would have been
natural and 10 the purpose, but Gen. Lee
kindhcartednoSs would not permit rude
dismissal even 10 80 unwarrantnbea ques-
toner. Advancing and gently taking him
by the hand, while all the listening group
stood round amazed at the mans prosump.
ton. the General quietly said:
"My dear sir. that would he long story,
and would require moro time than YOU sec
| can possibly command at present; 10 We
will have 10 defer the matter 10 another
OCCASION"
This same friend gave me an instance oil
n similar encounter that concerned Mrs.
Ice, whose simplicity aud kindliness OF
heart rivalcd thai OF her husband.
The General and his wife were at the
Virginia White sulphur Springs, occupy.
ing one Of the pretty cottages that had
been set apart for them. The crowd Of
visitors WIS great, and everybody who had
the least show for 20 doing was asking iol
introduciions, slor the war had not long
been over.
81 encountered n goodnalurcd but ab.
surd man from the far SOUTH" said
Colonel NJ, Whose enthusiasm ior
the Ice family was NJ fever heat III.
pompous way of talking was constant
amusement TO mo. and when he asked
that should inlrudc upon the gny group
that always dllcd tho piazza OF the Gen.
erals cottage and Introduce him, | nat u.
I NsIl NaI hat Lot
he should oycrpowcr thom by ono OF
his magniloqucnt apostrophcs. lie
Joined me one evening Just a. We were
passing the cottage door, whore n party
OF visitors were being entertained by tho
General aud his wife. Now il your time,
hc whispered, and hc forthwith drew me
90 the steps, where, ~ In duty bound,
presented him. Withdrawing little, hc
assumed llnmlct-likc pose, aud lifting
his hand with most dramatic air, he be.
gan
ado behold the honorcd roof that
shelters the head Of him before whose
name the luslcr OF Napolcon's palcs Into q
shadow DO ! see the walls within which
sits the most adorcd of mcnl Dare tread
the iloor which she who Ia scion OF the
patriotic house OF the rovocd Washington
condcsccnds to hallow with her prcscnccl
Is this the portico that trails It's vines owe,
the noble pair y
81 stumbled back aghast," said Col.
NJ, AT my own blundcr. as | listened
10 this ridiculous speech, which | really
believed was gotten up aud conncd for the
occasion. But was relieved in q moment
when Mn. Lee, quietly LAYING down her
knitting aud intouupting the rhetorical
effort, With a kind look upon her face re-
piled.
" Yes, this IL our cabin, will YOU take q
scat upon the bonch7'"
President HRrrison'. Nickname.