The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1907-01-15

invalid mother developed upon him. He
went to school at Alexandria, and there
prepared for West Point
The young Virgfnian entered the United
States Military Academy in 1925 and four
years later graduated second IN a class
of 46. Two years after his graduation
the young officer was married to Mary
Anne Randolph Custis, the only daughter
OF George Washington Parke Gusts.
adopted son Of George Washington. The
romance began in childhood IN Alexandra
and grew apace when young Lee bad
come home on 'furlough in the spick-and-
span uniform OF a West Pointer. The
marriage took place on the last d4v of
June at Arlington, the home of The bride
that splendid estate across the Potomac
from the national capital 1t WAS n do
cidedly spectacular wedding. for the
bridegroom was attended BIZ five Ueuten
ants in full uniform This was before Tho
days when wedding journeys" had core
into vogue, but the festivities Mt Arlir--
ton continued from Thursday, the date nf
the wedding, until the following Monday
Arlington thus became the home of Leo
and continued so Cor more than 30 years
or until 1t was confscated by the federal
government during the Civil War. Hera
al or bis six chilGren-three bows ana
three girls-were born. George Washing
tons silver plate, pictures and family
portraits from Mount Vernon were HANDED
down 10 the care OF Mrs Lee. Iivin. M
Arlington. only n few miles distant fro,
the beloved home OF the Father Of His
Country.
The most important event of historical
significance In which General Lee was
conspicuous figure during the frst 80 wears
OF his life was the Mexican War. Gen.
Winfield Scott summoned him at the be-
ginning OF the conflict to an innor.snr
position upon his personal stan. Lee was
an engineer officer aud of the grearesr
assistance to the American forces at the
siege Of Vera cruz and in other similar
undertakings. Indeed, Scott said mora
than once that his success IN Mexico was
due to the skill ard energy OF Lee.
Up 10 the year 1875, or only about half
4 decade previous 10 the outbreak Of the
Civil War. Lee had been engaged as 4
military engineer, an astronomer or a
stan Officer; but N the year mentioned
he gained the opportunity 10 command
soldiers. being appointed lieutenant colo
mel OF 4 newly organized cavalry rerI-
ne1r. In passing IL may also he noted
that he served for a time as superinten-
dent Of the United States Military Acad-
envy. AZ West Point.
An odd within OF fate is seen in the
circumstance that General Lees last i'm
por;cnt duty rs an officer of the United
States Army was in connection with that
dramatic prelude OF the Civil Wharf.-The
John Brown raid ST Harpers Ferry. II
WAS Lee who, ut the head of the marines
and regulars detailed by the authorities
a; Washington, captured Brown and his
followers
When. IN 1861. General Lee, or Uncle /
Robert" Or 'NarSe Robert" as he came /
10 be ahectiODately called. took command 1
IF the military forces OF Virginia enlisted 1
for the war OF the States. be was 5.
7ears OF age. feet IN height, in perfect 4
health and vigorous il every faculty. /
Aside from his military attai1ments, Gen
sral Lee was 4 most Interesting charsc- (
er- He was Of Spartan simplicity In his !
let, rarely drank even a single glass OF