Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1894-05-18
Col. Richard bland Lee.

The following authentic account OF
the father of our townsma1, Captain
Julian =. Lee viii be read with inter-
est:
Few men OF any land or age can
show record of such constant or ar
duous services to their native country
rs this eminent patriot and soldier
Richard Bland, eldest son of Richard
Bland aud Elizabeth (Co!l.ns) Lee. who
was born at Sully, Fairfax county, Va,
July goth, 1877. OF distinguished pa
rentage, he seemed from the first des-
tined to distinguished career. His
father, leading politician, was born in
Virginia about l162, was member Of
Congress from l1S9 10 1908, and died in
1897. His son, Richard Bland, subject
of this notice, entered the military
academy az Virginia cadet May 9TH,
1911, graduated in n class Of so July
l7th, 1917, and was the l69,h graduate.
He gained a years promotion by grad
uatino the third term, and having held
as captain of the First company of ca
diets, the highest position attainable by
cadet, from that time his promotions
were rapid and honorable-often for
peculiarly faithful services. His most
memorable achievement was the win
ter exploration of the Rocky Mountains
in 1882 So
Appointed by Gen. Cass, then Secre
tary of War. as military conductor Of
the caravan Of Santa re traders, and to
ascertain the he condition of the In
dian tribes of the Rocky Mountains,
and to arrange plans of communication
between them and the L. S. govern
ment, he conducted the caravan TO San
ia Fe through bands of hostile Indiars,
but found there no means OF communl-
cation with the tribes, nor of obtaining
reliable information as to their condi
ton. IN this state of things, at his own
expense, and for which he never asked
or received remuneration, he raissd and
equipped party for the first attempt
of a winter exploration Of Rocky Noun
ins feat deemed utter Y impracti-
cable by the most experienced hunters
Of that day.
November 10 h, 1882, he pentrated
the western slope Of the nor -hern boun-
darv Of New Mexico, and reached Santa
Fe via Texas June l5 1888, having in
seven months explored an area exc ed
ing twelve hundred miles in extent,
and visited six tribes of uncivilized In
dians, with all of whom he entered into
friendly relations. and arranged plans
for communication with the govern
ment.
In the Florida Indian war he enter
tered the field as first lieutenant and
captaip by brevet, serving with great
bravery and gallantry under Gen
erals Clinch and Scott, and Gov
ernor Call. He was twice wound
ded and finally sent from Florida ty
Governor Call with letter of thanks.
On reaching Washington, by appoint
ment Of the President and in the pres
ence Of the Secretary Of War, General
in-Chief, and Other officers, he received
the compliments OF President Jackson,
who SAID that his achievements were
the most crciltable events of the war.
At the beginning Of the Mexican war,
he offered his services in the field they
were declined by General Gibson, who
said he could be no whelc so useful as
at st. Louis. lie acted as Chief Com
missariat of the Pacific Division and
was en- special service in Oregon, Cali
fornia, Sandwich Islands and the Pa
ciiic States of South America. On re-
turning to Washington in 1888, he was
congratulated by Gen. Gibson on the
satisfactory results of his operations.
When Virginia seeded, he rendered
his resignation rs officer in the I. ;.
army, and was at once appointed Lieut..
Col. Commisariat of Substance Of the
Confederate States. He took an active
part in the battle of Shiloh and had
horse shot under him. He closed his
brilliant and honorable career August
ID, 1879, at Alexandria, Va, in the 18th
wear of his age.-Ii drrcnton Index.