The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-06-17
"TnECEETURT DoOk. :,
characteristics of Geperni Henry 4. Wise
- = 4 - MIMI hv - II L"

CharaCtoristics OF 6epcEhl hthiy - WIZ"
c. rs No'-d Nv ~ II. L"
In the Century War Book u. II. L."
writes Of General Wise, G.. ;. A; Cover
nor Henry A. Wise was one OF the most
Gifted men IL has been my fortune 10
know. His eloqucnce produced a greater
effect upon a popular assembly IMAM th"l
of any one / ever heard; he would daZ-
zle sururtse. and shock with electric
touches of sentiment, Wit, ana pathos'
Though brave. viEilant. ana ierule IN
resource, his military career Was py no
means a success. Foyd ana hlmselI
ouarreled In Vest Virginia, and his rela-
lions had not been pleasant with any
commanding Oihcer
When General Wise was In command
OF the James river defenses opposite
Drcwlv's BLUM. | visited him on official
business. lie received me most cordially,
walked with me al the morning round
his lines explaining his views most elo-
quently, quoting from the great masters
in The art OF war, with whom ne seemed
70 be perfectly familiar, iutersperslhs
these learned and scientific disqulsltlons
with the most scathing criticisms on men
and measures. denOuncing the Conleder-
ate Executive and Congress and the
narrow curriculum Of West Point but
winding up always with stream or
fiery invectvc against the Yankees.
General Wise was camped on the pan
tatiOn OF one Of the richest ana most
influential citizens of Richmond. lie an
moved Wise greatly with complaints or
depredau ms committed by the wise Lee
gion on his property. Wise was 6reaty
enraged when he presumed 10 charge
some Of his men with stealing. and after
a fierce alteration ordered MIN out or
his tent rs the gentleman was mount
Ing his horse Wise came OUT ana. call
ing him by name, said. sir, before you
leave. / think IL due both % you and
myself 10 make you an apology Il m
glad, General Wise, that you show some
sense Of what is ecOming TO us both.
I'll .fsgf
that, having on my slippers, | could not
possibly do you justice; l ought 10 nave
kicked you out Of my tent, and VIII do
so now II YOU will wait I'll pull on
my boots" Then he poured broadslde
upon his retreating enemy.
few days after this Wise said; Cen
eral Lee came down 10 see me. Fortu-
nately, my wife and several other ladies'
were spending the day at my headquar-
tiers. We had a good dinner and charm
ing time. You kI ow 'Marse BOD Was
always very fond Of ladies' society, ana
when he asked me 10 take walk win
him | suspected what was coming. AFTER
telling me OF the complaints made OF
nv treatment Of the Richmond man, and
hearing my account OF the affair, not
emitting the apology and broadside. he
laid his hand upon my arm, and, WITH
that grace and cordially which at su ,t,i
times tempered his Usual stately dignity,
said: Wise. you know as well as | DO
what the army regulations say about
profanity, but. as an old friend, let me
ask you II that dreadful habit cannot
be broken and remind you that We have
both already passed the meridian OF
life, etc.
Seeing he was in for a sermon, and
one that | could not answer | replied:
General Lee you certainly play Wash
ington TO perfection. and your whole life
is a constant reproach TO me. Now |
am perfectly wiling that Jackson and
yourself shall do The praying for the
whole army OF Northern virginia; but,
in heavens name, let me do the cussin'
for one small brigade Lee laughed and
said. Wise. you are incorrigible,' and
then he rejoined the ladies'"
Apropos OF this friend told me that
stopping at farmers In Appomattox
after the first surrender he found the
old man deriving comfort from but one
thing, OF which he frequently spoke:
Anyhow, General Wise cussed the Yam
KEGS &c the last"
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