The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-23

II was deemed advisable by his Govern
uent, for political and other purposes.
to hold Richmond, the confederacys capt.
tai"
Attention is directed TO an article con-
tributed some time ago TO Macmil-
lan's Magazine, In which Lord Wolseley
says: "Lee was opposed to the anal de-
fence Of Richmond that was urged upon
him for political. not military, reasons.
II was O great strategic error. Gen.
Grants large army OF men was easily fed
and Ito daily losses easily made good from
a near base; whereas. II 1t had been drawn
far into the Interior after the little army
with which Lee endeavored to protect
Richmond, lite fighting strength would have
been largely reduced by the detaohments
required to guard long line Of COMMUNE
cations through hostile country
When the year 1855 began, the strength
OF the thin gray line, drawn out to less than
one thousand men to the mile, which hith-
erto had repulsed every attempt OF the
enemy TO break through 1t, was shrinking
daily. The capture OF Fort Nsher, the
last open port of the Confederacy, on Jan.
is Of tho year named, shut of all supplies
and ammunition from the outside world.
Sherman had reached Savannah In De-
oember, from which point he was preparing
to effect junction with Grant. In letter
to the Secretary of War, dated Feb. 81,
1885, Lee said that, In the event OF his being
compelled to abandon his position on
the James River, he should endeavor to
unite his army about Burkeville, the juno
ton Of the Southside and Danville Rail-
road, 80 as to retain communication with
the North and South as long as practicable,
and also with the West. He expressed
the opinion that Lynchburg would be the
most advantageous place to which to re-
move stores from Richmond. He admitted.
however, that the point was difficult one
to decide.
1t Ia we'll known that on April 1, 1895,
was fought the battle Of Five Forks, where
about $1,000 infantry and cavalry-more
men than Lee had in his entire army-at-
tackled the extreme right Of the Confede-
rates and turned 1t, SO that, TO save their
communications, they had to abandon
their lines at Petersburg, giving UP that
city and Richmond. From that time to
April the Army Of Northern Virginia
struggled to reach some position where
1t could concentrate it's forces and make
. stand. It Is needless to dwell upon
the details OF that memorable six
days retreat, at the end Of which
less than 5000 men with arms In
their hands were surrendered at APP
pomattox. Gen. Long. after describing
the hardships and struggles undergone
during the retreat. goes on to describe how
the army still looked up TO its commander
and had faith that he would bring them In
the end safe through their troubles. Never
had Gen. Lee appeared more heroic than
on this occasion. All eyes were raised to him
for q delverance which no human power
could give He alone was expected to
provide food for a starving army and
rescue 1t from the attack Of a powerful
and eager enemy. Under the accumulation
OF difficulties his courage seemed to ex-
pand. and wherever he appeared his pres
ence inspired the weak and weary with
renewed energy to continue the toilsome
march. During these trying scenes his
countenance wore its habitual calm, grave
expression A day or two before the
surrender, Lee said to Gen. Pendleton:
the gigantic combination for our subjuga-
IL,
pendence unless foreign Powers should.
directly or indirectly. assist us. But such
considerations really made With me no
difference. We had, was satisfied, sacred
principles to maintain and rights to defend,
for which we were in duty bound to do
our best, even II we persisted In the en-
deavor.'
We are told that on April 10 Gen. Meade
10. AhA ,f
conversation remarked: Nov that the
war may be considered over, I think you
will not deem 1t improper for me to ask,
for my personal information. the, strength
of your army during the operations about
Richmond and Petersburg Gen. Lee re-
piled: AT no time did my force exceed
IS, 900 men, often 1t was less With look
Of surprise, Meade said: General, you
amaze me: We always estimated your force
at about 10000 men.
A day or two after tn o surrender Gen.
Lee started for Richmond riding the horse
which had carried him all through the
war. On April is he reached the city
which had been the Confederate capital.
The people there soon recognized him;
men, women and children crowded around
him, cheering and waving hats and hand
kerchiefs. The demonstration was more
like the welcome to q conqueror than the
reception Of defeated prisoner on parole.
He raised his hat in response to the greet
ings and rode quietly to his home on Frank
lin street, where his wife and daughters
were anxiously awaiting him. Then and
there he returned to the private family
life for which he had always longed, and
became, as he had always wished to be.
a peaceful citizen In a peaceful land. Our
author, who saw his father soon after
ward, said that he appeared to be very
we'll physically, though he looked older,
prayer and more reserved. He seemed
very tired and was always glad to talk on
any subject except the war or anything
pertaining thereto. I'VE all tried to cheer
and help him. The people Of Richmond
and of tho entire South we're as kind and
considerable al it WAS possible to be. In
deed, think that their great kindness
tired him. He appreciated 1t all, was
courteous, grateful and polite; but he
had been under such o terrible strain for
several years that he needed time and tran
guilty to get hack his strength Of heart and
mind All sorts and conditions Of people