Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-11-26
HOME OFFERED LEE
CITY TEyDERED HIM ONE. but HE
DECLINED 1T.
EXTRACT FROM COUNCIL RECORDS.
latter from the distinguished south
ernor I'm which He Declined to Ac-
cept ProGercd GIFT, ThouSh Appfe-
cinting Sentiment suggesting IL.

The records OF the meetings OF the
city Council Of Richmond contain 10
moro interesting page than that which
bears the transcription Of a letter from
General Robert y. Lee, declining 10 nc
cept a house which the Council proposed
TO present 10 him.
The letter, in which he asks That no
such action shall be taken, Is eminenIy
characteristic. II will be read with pc
culiar interest just al this time, when so
much IS being written and said Of the
Dewey mansion in Washington. which
was testimonial from the American
people 10 the hero Of Manila Bay.
THE COUNCILS ACTION.
Tho record reads as follows. At a
monthly meeting OF the Council Of the
city Of Richmond. held on the 9Th day OF
November lS3-present David ). Sauh
Gers. president. and Mcssrs Tlemi ls
Griffin. +. A. j. Clopton, y. Y. Stoke
William II. Richardson, -- NalNe:'
james A. Scott J.. w. GlazeorooK'
Thomas Q. Eppes y. i. Hiil. ana sam
uel ID. Dcnoon-Mr. James a. scout oit"fed
the following resolution "hlch was
adopted:
Resolved That the sum Of 10000 be ap-
propriated for the purchase OF house
and lot TO be rendered to General Robert
n. Lee and family, free OF rent, and that
a committee OF three he appointed 10 CT
feet that object.
Tho following committee was appointed
for the purpose: MessIr. scott. Glaze
brook. and ~ y. Hill and on motion
mace by Mr.. Hin. the president Of the
Council, was added TO the committee.
GENERAL, 'T'S DECLGNATION.
Al a subsequent meeting Of the COun
ell MIR. Scott. from The special committee
laid before the body the following letter
from General Robert Il. Lee. and asked
that it be spread upon the journal
The following letter from General Lee
was read az the next Council meeting,
and the wishes therein expressed were
respected:
Army Northern Virginia,
November T. 1863.
To tho President Of the City Council,
Richmond Va:
Sir.-Mv attention has been directed to
q resolution reported in the newspapers
as having been introduced into the body
over which you preside, having for SIS
object the purchase by the city of Rich
mOnd Of a house for the use OF my -am-
lis. l assure you. sir that no want Oh
appreciation Of the honor conferred upon
me by this resolution or insensibihty 10
the kind feellng winch prompted IT, ID.
duces mo to ask. as 1 most respecuuiN
do. that no further proceedings be 'dhtn
with reference 10 the subject Tho mouse
IS not necessary for the use OF nay FAM
uv. and my own duties viii prevent MY
residence I'm Richmond. / should, there
fore. be compelled 10 decline the generous
OFFER. and trust that whatever means the
city Council may have TO spare for This
purpose may be devoted 10 the relief OF
The families Of our soldiers I'm the heia,
who arc more IN need OF assistance and
moro deserving OF it than myself. i have
The honor to Doe very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
j.. j.. LEE General.
Not a single member Of that Council is
living to-day. and the old BUILDING I'D
which the above resolution was olLefeu
has long since been torn DOWN