The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-17
GEN. LEE,s POPULARITY.
FavOrite with Ladies' as Well as on
GERS wherever He Goes.

GERS Wherever ne UOeSs
Jacksonville Fla.) Times-Union.
Say, is that General Lee?"
The question was directed to a Times
Union and Citizen representative, who was
coming back to the city on one of
the street cars from Camp Cuba Iibre the
other day. The question was asked by a
countryman, who evidently had seen the
generals picture, but had never seen him in
Looking in the direction indicated. the
newspaper man saw General Lee riding
past, alone and unattended by any of his
staff, on his iron-gray horse
Yes" was the reply, and then the
stranger turned and looked admiringly at
the. general keeping his eye on him as long
Hes big fellow. isn't he?" commented
the countryman.
although most people in the city have now
come to know the general and salute him as
he passes by. The remark as to the physi-
cal size of General Lee is also not uncom-
mon by any means as most people have not
expected to see such a rotund figure. which
back.
Every regiment that has been assigned to
the Seventh Army Corps is proud of the
fact that they are under the command of
General Lee. There is sentiment about 1t
that possibly. does not appeal to any of the
other generals. The name of Lee is an in
spiration in itself, and coupled with the
further fact of the bold stand that General
Lee took as consul general to Cuba. and es-
pecially during the Maine disaster in Ha-
vana harbor, it is little to be wondered that
the men of the Seventh Corps feel enthused
at the prospect of being led to battle under
him.
The general is naturally the center of at
traction wherever che goes about the city,
out to camp, or abous the windsor Hotel
band concerts given at the hotel during the
week, he can always be found seated on the
piazza, surrounded by bevy of Jackson
viile'S beautiful young ladies, or by some
of the pretty Cuban senoritas. Mrs. Lee is
now here, and what is more, the general is
n his element inst SuCh S0pS a
this. If TIE others enjoy it, he enjoys it
still more. He takes their gatherings good
May a young officer would undoubtedly
like to be just such a center of attraction
1t Is just this temperament and bonhom-
ME disposition that makes General Lee the
popular officer that he is. He is courteous
and pleasant to all. He speaks to the civil
ian or to the private just readily as to
the officer with stars or silver eagles on his
shoulder straps, and he has never been
known A1 to turn down" a newspaper pei. man.
though elevated in rank, he is still Of the
people.
An excellent illustration of this was given
at the close of the band concert a few even
ings ago. The First Wisconsin Band had
finished its programme, had been served
with refreshments by the hotel proprietors
and the raen were going out, when some of
them approached General Lee, and ex-
pressed a desire for his autograph. General
Lee promptly responded, and standing at
the news stand counter, wrote his auto
graph on slips of paper for every member
OF the Dduu. FeTnapS IL was a little thing,
and yet every officer would not have been
so accommodating When the general had
finished one of the men was heard to re-
mark
These will carry Wisconsin for you all
right in the next presidential election, gen.
eral."
In a letter written to the Davenport Qa)
Democrat, General Lee, commanding the
Seventh Army Corps, says: Il have two
fine regiment in camp here from your State.
/ am sure they will give a good account
of themselves should an opportunity offer,
and your people may rest assured that I
shall take good care of them, and guard
closely their interests in all things"