Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-17
ROBERT E. LEE

General Scott, Lee nevertheless found
time to volunteer for fighting service, and
on every battlefield played a hero's part
For gallantry I'm action Lee was brevetted
as major at Cerro Gordo. as lieutenant
colonel for daring and skill at Contreras
and Churubuseo. and crowned IS brilliant
record win a colonel's brevet gained on
the historic heights of Chapultepec. The
genius OF war had again found human
habitation and was developing its chosen
agent for future scenes wherein the NOR
tai was to put on an immortality of fame.
Following the American conquest of
Mexico and his return TO the states, Lee.
despite his modest protest Of personal I'M
fitness was assigned TO the superintend-
ency of the military academy at West
Point. Here he served with honor to him
self and profit to the institution and by
attention to detail. as we'll as by a broad
grasp of the situation, greatly increased
the efficiency of cadet training. After
three years of service, and then assign
ment TO other duty, Lee spent the interval
prior TO the great conflict In varied engin-
eering work, and closed his period of pro-
baton by active service against the In
dams In the southwest
But the work of preparation was done.
In Gods Providence, the fullness of time
had come when the Master, brought face
70 face with his mission, was to perform
1T with genius that would dazzle the ma
tions, and with a purity and honor that
for all time was to make mankind HIS
debtor. No senseless hero-worshiper am
]. Recognizing even in its best estate
the limitations Of human greatness, I am
rather prone to look with the eye of ex-
perience for the inevitable weakness
which tn curse has imposed upon all
flesh. We do not cain for Lee perfection,
but this we do say with the conscious
ness of truth that a study of his life re-
IL kr,.- ~. - q
no greater. From friend and former foe
alike, comes this testimony, and the ver-
dict of the werld must soon accord with
that of our chief executive when. after
careful study. he pronounces Lee TO be
the greatest English speaking captain of
history. and a man sans peur ct sans
reproche. What. care we whether preJu-
dice begrudges him place in hall of
fame built by the hand of man? Already
fame has accorded him a hero's place in
that true temple erected in the hearts and
minds of men. and there he will live for
ever.
Let me call your attention. my friends.
to Lees opportunities at the. beginning
OF the civil war. Already famous in mil
itary circles the chief command OF the
Union armies was in his grasp. In fact
General Scott. then about to be retired
on account Of age as commandments.
earnestly recommended Leo for the place,
declaring him to be the ablest officer in
the service. Scott was authorized to treat
with Lee on the subject, and after urging
him to remain in the service, practically
offered him command of all the Federal
forces. What glittering prospect for an
ambitious man. AS an officer OF expert
ence and judgment, Lee realized as did
few men the overwhelming chances for
success in favor of the north. He knew
with all its emphasis where the advan-
tage lay. when unlimited numbers. wealth
and the monopoly OF manufacturing
plans were to be opposed in an agricul-
tural section deficient in everything save
the personnel of its people. Not victim
Of the assurance so prevalent In the
south, he knew that a mighty conflict was
at hand in which the Confederacy was