davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

as well as those OF his soldiers, during
tho war-maTy Of Lees soldiers had Moth
Ing but parched corn. three hard biscuits.
and fat piece OF pork for n whole days
rations.
At this time Confederate money was
useless Calico was worth thirty dollars
q yard. barrel of flour was worth
from two to three hundred dollars a bar
rel. Sugar was worth ten dollars pound.
X. u. Lee was one OF the greatest gem
erals America has ever known. His men
gave the love and confidence that only a
great man can inspire. When he was
lighting around Spotsylvania Courthouse.
e came UP To some Texas soldiers. He
placed himself at their head and cried. .
Hurrah for TeXas!" Then the soldiers
s thought IT, Of their great commander and
der seized the bride of Lees horse and
SAID: General Lee. II Won don't go back.
We Will not go forward
During Lees illness he thought OF Tim
battlefield He was heard to say. "1ell
FIJI 70 come up." When Lee died he
WAS buried In the chapel of Washineton
and Lee University. Lee died on octn.
Der u. 1870. His age was sixty-three.
! SIDNEY ROOP.
Riner. Va
Twelve years old
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
THE LIFE OF LEE
Prize Story, BY William Ne,tor. fMew York.

A long time ago, In the reign. OF
Charles T., Colonel Richard Lee left Eng
land and sailed for America, where he
settled in Westmoreland county Va.
Colonel Lee was warmly welcomed on
his arrival here, and Governor Berkeley
made him State secretary.
The Lees of Virginia have figured con-
spicuously in history. both IN the service
OF the government and as soldiers on the
field of battle.
Robert E. Lee was born at the family
residence OF "stratford." January 10.
1907 He received his early trt-lning at
Alexandria Academy. and an Irishman
named Leary, an excellent teacher and a
fine scholar, was his instructor.
Young Lees mother was q rheumatic.
His elder brothers Were away from home,
and his oldest sister lived in Phladel-
phia under Doctors care, while his
other sister was only child: so the boy
was the only one at home Who was able
to assist his mother
Unlike other boys, he was not ashamed
to work in the kitchen. and In this way
he was n great help to his mother.
sports, and he often told OF the fine
times he had huntip-t. fishing and swim
ming.
A few years later he left for West
Point. and in taking up soldiers duties
In the footsteps of his illustrious ances-
tors. He was advanced from one rank
to another. and In his last year OF train
ing he was made an adjutant, the high
est position Of a cadet When he gradu-
ated from West Point he married Mary
Anne Randolph Gusts. only daughter OF
George washington Parke Gusts. and
the great ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF Martha
Washington, wife OF the hrsr PRESIDENT
Of the United States.
Lee and his wife became proprietors OF
| Arlington" the historic mansion where
George Washington and the widow Gus
| tbs" were married.
Robert f. Lee fought calamity In tho
| Mexican War, and In 1867 he was made
| commander OF West Point.
In the Civil War his army fought the
Northerners In the face OF great diillcui-
ties. and he often "plucked the flower
of liberty from the dust Of defeat"
/ Even in his high rank as commander
of the Confederate armies. he did not
! neglect his men, and every man. no mat
| ter what his station in life was, always
| received the best of attention from him.
The Civil War left Lee broken IN
heaith and a poor man. and many friends
offered to help him. One hundred thou-
| sand dollars lay in London panK for
his use If he would become resident OF
England but he refused everything I'M
hesitatingly. aa 40
presidency OF Washington College. which
| he accepted after some deltbera ton
Five years later, OCTOBER ~, le ~ 't 10
s the South and a memorial OF a lost
cause died, and the trustees OF the col
iege changed its name to washington
am Ev .rs how and girl in America, and
esnecIally Of the South. should know the
famous words of Robert Edward Lee,
. nDuiv then. is the sublimest word In
our language. DO your duty IN y a.,
s si,,, never wish to do less"
The famous Lee Monument was erected
i, Mo honor, and unveiled at Richmond,
May - l's0' WILLIAM NEsTOR,
2cS West Fourth street.
New York City, N. Y.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
GENERAL ROBERT
EDWARD LEE,

When we utter the name Lee II calls
to mind one OF the most ilastrious fami-
hes OF which Virginia Can boast. II we
trace the Leo family Of Virginia back.
we shall SEQ that 1t springs from the
ancient and respectable family OF Essex.
IN England. All tho members OF this
family We're very patriotic, and as early
ms the eleventh century we find them
lighting IN the great wars OF their coun-
try.
General Rober. Edward Lee. the illus
tr1ous son of General "Light-Hor
Harry" Lee and his second wife, Miss
Anne Hill Carter. was born at stratford,
IN Westmoreland county. Va, on the 18th
OF January. 1907.
OF Lees childhood very little Is known.
=! IN, a letter to G: c. Lee. his father wrote,
Robert was always good" At the age
OF eighteen he entered the Military Acad-
envy at West Point His progress. in his
marked with "demerit.'' He gradu-
ated in July; 1929, second in his class.
,,a,to was assigned to duty with rank Of
engineers. In the year 1892. three years
after graduating at West Point. he mar
ried Mary Gusts, daughter OF George
Washington Parke. GUSTS. of Arlington,
and by this marriage he came into pos
sesslon OF the estate OF Arlington. In
1850 no was promoted to the rank OF
first lieutenant, and In 1893 to cap
taincy. In 1916, when tho Mexican War
broke out. he was assigned to duty as
chief engineer OF the Central Army Of
Mexico Ne co. in which HE capacity he served to
called for the first time to command
men. for his duties hitherto had been
those Of military engineer, astronomer or
staff officer. In 1861, when the conflict
between North and South was about to
commence, he was called to Richmond
and made COMMUNICATIVE chief Of the
armies of Virginia. It was during this
great Civil War that Lee fought so
bravely and became such distinguished
general. For about five years after the
war he concentrated his entire attention
and all his energies upon his duties as
president OF Washington College.
On the eSth of September, Lee at
tended meeting OF the vestry OF Grace
Church, OF which he was a member.
After the meeting he returned home,
and, when tea was served, he took his
place at the table to say grace, His lips
and he sank back In his chair, from which
he was carried to bed During the two
weeks Of his illness he scarcely spoke,
md evidently regarded his condition as
hopeless. On Wednesday,. October 18th,
about O. in. tho morning, In the midst Of
his family, the great soldier expired, and
the words, lee Is dead" fell like a
f,neral-knell upon every heart. On the
1bth OF October the body was buried be-
meath the, chapel OF Washington College.
LUCY B. LI1AlSE.
80 Bollingbrook Street,
Petersburg. Va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
GENERAL ROBERT E, LEE.

Robert Edward Lee was born at STRAIT
ford the old home OF the Lees, IN west
moreland county. Va. 49,.
FITS fathers name WAS Henry Les Out
was called Light Horse Harry He
was a great cavalry general Of the Rev
Robert was only eleven years old when
his father died.
as a very lovely woman. To her, more
than any one. the praise should. be given
for tho many rare virtues of General
Lees, life.
General Lee chose the army for his
profession, and went to West Point to
study. He was @ very bright student
and everybody praised him he was fond
of society and enjoyed ladies' company
When he came back from West Point
at the age Of twenty No., IN hls un II, sa
love which he offered. The marriage
which proved so happy took place four
years afterward.
In 1851 General Lee was made Major
General OF the armies of Virginia. tie
was afterwards made Comnander-ln-
Chief.
render to overwhelming numbers at
Appomattox Courthouse on the 9th OF
April. 1865. 1t is easy for a man 70 be
great IL y II bu, fey ep
After the war he retired to Richmond,
where q house was provided for nm.
ETe was offered the presidency of Wash
ington College. Lexington, which was
afterwards called Washington and Lee
out OF compliment to him.
He lived only five years after the war.
The simple Inscription on the brick vault
where his hody lies, is:
ROBERT EDWARD LEE.
Born January -. 1907,
Died October 81. 1870.
ON January 18th we will celebrate the
hundreath anniversary OF his birth. Gen
eral Lee once said. DUTY Is tho sub
FINEST word in the English language"
FLORENCD JARRATT.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Lees Character.

OF the public and private life OF II. q. Lee
we can say nothing that can add to its honor.
1t stands before the world as enduring tho
mighty river which washes the shores near his
childhood homo. OF his personal character
can speak only with reverence. Pure and spot
less NJ the blue skies OF his beloved Virginia,
1t drew TO him hundreds of thousands of his
fellow Americans who followed him on tho
long marches through miry swamps, through
tho suroise OF battle, and when at the last he
told them he could lead them no more, and
bade them farewell they forgot their SUI
ferngs and their privations in tho grief OF
parting forever from their beloved commander.
Page after page has been written IN tribute ia
Robert E. Lee, but the greatest. grandest.
nobcst tribute of all. and one of which OUT
whole country is proud. ia that through all tho
trials OF his eventful life. from boyhood to
deathbed. he was q gentleman and a Christian,
MAUDE 4. LOMBARD.
e2i5 Pleasant Street. City.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Where He Got the Grease.

At one time when meat was scarce General
Wade Hampton sent n mote 10 Lea telling him
there were great number of heeyes in Cen
erat Grnnt's army and asking II he could so
and get them. Lee agreed, but warned
Hampton to be careful not 10 bc caught. The
Eederals fought bravely for their meat. but
ut Inst fell back At one point Lees men wera
50 close 10 Grants men that they would call
over to each other The nickname FOR tho
Southerners was "Johnny Rebs." and for the
Northeruers was .BillS Yanks, " This inelden,
occurred between ONE of Lees men and ons o.
Grants men,
u say. Johnny Reb. come over got new
blue shirt for YOU" said the Federal.
'Rlue shirt" crowded Johnny.
'Yes.' said Billy Take or those butter
nut eothss would II were yop..
nNever YOU mind the grease, Billy Yank,"
drawiea. Johnns,. II got the grease out en-,
Leevex O. Ycuya"
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
GENERAL LEE AFTER TIE
WAR.
(Prlzo Story.)


After the surrender at Appomattox
General Lee returned to Richmond, where
his family awaited him. and though he
had been In the army since his boyhood.
he cast this aside. and took up the every.
day life left to him. It is hard, when a
man has lived more than half century
to change tho habits formed in youth
but no one ever heard him murmur or
complain.
TO each of his soldiers as they came
to $50 him he said: Stick to your State.
You have fought for her like a brave
man: now work for her like brave
man."
He was offered many high positions,
but he refused them all to become presi-
dent OF Washington College. at Licking
ton, Va. The name Of the college was
changed to Washington and Lee in his
honor
He died In Lexington. Va, October IL.
1870 beloved and honored by all.
Edward Valentino. q noted sculptor of
Richmond was employed to prepare a
monument to mark his grave. He is
represented as lying on a camp bed. with
his blanket over him. Tho likeness is
perfect.
The day OF tho unveilins John w.
Daniel delivered an grafton. Father Ryan
reoited his famous poem. THE Sword of
Lee" and Miss Julia Jackson, the daugh-
ter Of Stonewall Jackson, drew back the
curtain from the exquisite marble figure.
WILLIAM p. TATUM.
Newcastle, Va,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Lives of great men all reminds us.
We can make our lives sublime.
And IN parting leave behind us
Footprints on the sands OF time.

Why should VIC forgive? Because we are SO
commanded by the Holy Scriptures. and ibe-
cause 1t Is true and noble. Why should wo
forget? Because It is impossible to forgive un-
less we do forget and because we have exam
pies set before US by good and holy man. One
OF the best examples was set us by that Chris
tian genteman--General r. F.. Lee.
One day Lee was sitting on the porch With
some friends when man dressed very shabbily
stopped ut his gate. Lee wen. down to the
gate. and presently the friends saw him take
out his purse and hand the q bill. We
must remember Lee in very humble cir
cumstances after the war. and that is thu tiua
when this happened. Presently he returned and
ono OF the friends. knowing his circumstances.
said, WHO Is heP" Lee said, .,oh, ha is an
old soldier" Was he member Of your
arrny?" said the friend. "Oh! no, he was ON
the other sde," Lee replied.
This is the example set us by NOT only
Christian gentleman, ut tho .bravese OF the
brave So let us forget and forgive. as did
Basic. Va. JOHN W. SMITH. Jr
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

Robert Lees father. General Henry Lee, had
been a great chief In Wash!ngtons Army. Ha
was often called Lighthouse Harry Lee.'
His troopers were often called "the eyes and
ears OF the army" always being in front. He
was known for the famous speech he made re-
ear,ins Washington; First In war, first IN
peace: aud first in the hearts of his country
men,. He as&ays did say say Virginia was
his country. ind he would obey her.
RACHEL. PYLE
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
A Little Girls View.

write to wish YOU happy New Year. You
are SO kind to the children. / will try TO an
swer some OF your questions. Robert Lee was
a great general He fought the war when We
tried 10 whip those Yankee people His mother
was Miss Carter; his wife Miss Custis The
name OF his home WINS Arlington" near WASH
inston city. He has two children living. Miss
Mary Lee and Mr.. r. E. Loe. His home M
Richmond Is the Historical Society OF Virginia
He has fne monument in Richmond. He
was great because he was go good His
soldiers called him MARS Bob" think that
Is all I know, except wish could have seen
his old horse Traveller" We have sweet
country home and walk to the creek 20 study
geography. There are islands and capes and
peninsuas, but our greatest pleasure is TO read
your paper. / hope you won't put my letter in
the waste basket. Send mo badge TO mako
ne q 7. d. c. G.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

In order that ne might set proper example
to others he applied for amnesty through Cen
cral Grant, who promptly endorsed 1t; buc
President Johnson never condescended to no.
tee 1t, and It viii remain forever blot upon
American civilization that this greatest OF
American citizens died denied the rights Of
Citlzensh ID
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Seven Pines.

ston. the commanding general was wounded,
and Lee was put in. his place. During all thu
battles that Lee fought half OF the Southern
men We're in rags. Yet. shoeless and hatless
and half starving. they followed Lees Their
pet name for him was "Oid Marse Robert"
and their battlecry was, "Marae Robert says
So" BLAND EOBSON
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
a Touching Incident.

The old Leo home In Alexandria, where his
mother had lived, was always sacred place to
him. Years after one OF his friends saw him
looking sadly over the fence OF the garden.
where he use to play. ''r am looking he said,
ito see it the old SNOWFALL trees are still here.
should be sorry to miss them
RACHEL ELLICK.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

His soldiers were all devoted to him and al
ways spoke of him ..Marse Robert" Ono
day he saw one OF his soldiers reading letter.
From home. from your syeetheart?' no ques-
toned. No replied the man, but from my
little siS-year-old boy. He cannot write very
we'll. but. says he means to come and fight for
General Lee some day
General Lee said he must tell the little boy
that he hoped the war would not last so long
as that. but whether In this war or some other
he must always fight FOR his country.
LOUISE HARRISON McCRAW.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Lee S Ancestry.

General Robert y. Lee came from one OF tho
most famous families OF Virginia. 1t was an
ancestor Of his who fitted out AMI manned the
vessel which was sent over to Holland TO invite
Charles H. to come over and be crowned King
OF England. General Lee Is mentioned by his
father IN one OF his letters when Rober. was
small boy. He says: Robert is always good
truth Rohart was only eleven years old
when his father died,
Jngr1lt, Va. LILLIE HOLLAND MOORE.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

Lee so loved his home and country that when
offered the command OF the armies proposed to
send against the seeded States he calmly res
South were mine would free them with n
stroke OF the pen TO avert this war; but can
not take up arms against my State. my home,
my children and my family
VERNON WILTSHIRE
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Some Incidents
In Lees Life
BY T. D. c. c. Members
Kindness to Animals.

General Leo always showed his Kindness for
dumb creatures. Once during the war he saw
birds nese lying on the ground that had nc-
oident1y been krockcd down from tho tree by
one Of his soldiers. Although the Northern
troops were almost upon him he stopped and
put the nest in the tree.
The horse that General Leo rode In the Civit
War was named Traveller, for which he showed
great affection.
RUTH HARRIS
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
SPECIAL MENTION FOR EXCELLENT
PAPERS.
CONTRIBUTORS EoR rHE weEk

lux " < n,
Lacy. Rhoderic
Ieiberger, Ella
Lynn. Mary s.
McCraw. Louise II.
Morton. Virginia L.
Maxey. Lois
Marshall. Virginia
Moore. Lille II.
Aforrisettc, Elliott
Morris, Harriet e.
sfetzger, Willie Fl.
Nestor, William
ogburn, Ashby
Ogburn. Lizzie
Passamanecf. Dora
Pincus. Minnie
Pyle. Rachel
Pollard, Ellis
Pond. Aubrey
Parrish. Agnes
Perkins Makyfa
J Roop. Sidney
Rogers. Vernon
Ramos. Jose b.
scheer. ZIpporah
Smith. Ethel j.
Smith. J. w. Jr.
Sherman. Eta
station. Lewis
schwalm. Jake
sydnor. Novella
Spencer. Clarence a.
Shirley. Lucy E.
Thiyeatt. Elsie
Tench. Mary Lou
Toombs, Cecil
Tatnm, William P.
Tatum. Paris j.
Taylor, Grace r.
Turner. Miriam A.
Whisky. Dora
. Worrell. Willie
Wiltshire, Myrtle p.
Wiltshire, Vernon
Ward. Dorothy
White, Mary
Wright, Harold s.
Yarlcnv Mary
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
SPECIAL LEE PAGE MADE BY MEMBERS OF TIL
Fine Papers ON
the Life Of Lee

Dear Children OF tho Club:
You haye not disappointed mo IN your
desire for information about Lee ana con-
fedcrate affairs. You have all been uill-
gent and painstaklng, and award toe
medals and prizes this week with the
knowledge that they are fairly won and
with regret that 1 hnve no more to give.
Some one. in speaking OF Lee recently,
said that he was the only great general
who never mado excuse for defeat. nor
laid the blame on tho shoulders OF Ills
subordlnntss. When the bitter day at
Appomattox came ho took all tho blame
himself, saying only that he had been
overwhelmed by numbers In the fight.
Washington was great In victory, but
Leo was great In defeat. So generous was
no that he never failed after tho war to
aid man who had fought with tho Fed
eral forces SO devout was no that his
death was the result OF cold contracted
while attending church.
think most OF you have caught the
spirit OF the man, and have made excel
lent accounts OF his life and character.
1t will pay you all to make n special study
OF this greatest and bravest OF men.
Hoping to have as large q response IN
tho next contest, ! am.
Faithfully yours,
THE EDITOR
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
His Education.
RUTH HARRIS.

General Robert n. Lee ia mentioned by HIS
father In one OF hEs letters when Robert was
a small boy. Flo says Robert ia always
good. Does he ride and shoot well, and tell the
truth That was part % a boys education in
MARY IOr TE-NCu
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
JANUARY MEpALlsrs.

Virginia Leigh Morton, No. 1851 Sycamore
Street, Petersburg, Va.
William Hestor, No. 22s West Fourth
Street, New York City, NJ. Y.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
vIRGINIA's GREAT COM
WANDER.
prize Story

Prize story.
Virginia's greatest commander was Gen.
eral Robert Edward Lee. He was born in
Newfoundland county, 1907; he died in
1870. He was 6S years old when he died.
His father who was often called Light
Horse Harry" died when Robert was
Il years old.
General Robert Edward Leo was even
greater than our first President George
Washington, because Washington always
carried his point and Lee did not Lee 8
army grew smaller and smaller until at
last. he was obliged to surrender. He
afterwards surrendered at AppomattoX.
men have been as great as General Lee
in defeat.
General Lees mother was Miss Car
ter before her marriage. General Lees
wife was Miss Mary Custis He holds
the famous estate "4Arlington," In his
wife's right. which was left her by her
father. Arlington Is few miles from
Washington. 1t is said to &c beau
tiful place.
General Lee was buried at Lexington.
On the marble slab is written:
ROBERT EDWARD LEE
Born January 18th, 1907,
Died October 18th, 1870
After Lees surrender he went to Rich
nQnd where q house was provided for
him. The house is still standing In Rich
mond.
The affectionate name the soldiers call,
Robert"
He once said DUTY is the subIfmest
word in the English language
ELIZABETH A. JARRATT.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

THE WEEKS PRIZE WINNERS.
Elizabeth a. Jarratt, Jarratt. Va. for
story entitled "vIrsinIa's Great Com.
mander"
William P. Tatum, Newcastle, Va, for
story Of Lee After the War"
Sidney Roop, Riner, Va, for story OF
"Robert e. Lee"
SPECIAL MENTION FOR EXCELLENT
PAPERS.
Lucy q. Leake. Evelyn Harris, Jose g,
Ramos, AGNES NJ. cisrson. Paris J. Tatum,
Mamie r. White, Dorothy Ward, Nina
Hunnlcutt, Florence Jarratt, WiihelmIna
HamIn, Virginia Buchanan. lille II.
Moore, clarIce eaylIss, Rachel Pyle, Ells
Pollard. Vernon Wiltshire, Myrtle Wit.
shire. John w. Smith, Jr., Etfei j. Smith.
Lois masey, ztpporah Sheer. marsIe Gray.
Louise n. Mccraw, Harold s. Wrtaht.
Dora Passananeck, Bland Hobson, lewis
station, Ruth Harris. Maggie Perkins.
Mary Lou Tench, Sadie 5edInger, Miriam
a. Turner, Lucy Shirley, JAMIE FIeminn
Mary c. Herring. Virginia Goodwin. MARY
White, Irene Gillian, Frances GIasselI
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20

VIRGINIA L. MORTON
161 Sycamore ST.. Petersburg, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Denied CITIZENSHIP.

HAftRIEI'F Il. MURRIS.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Lee S Father.

Hylas p. O.. VI
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Marse Robert.

Pemberton,
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Magnaninity of Lee.

Andersonville, Va.
The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-01-20
Lees Opinion of Slavery.

Sic, Va. JOHN ", SMITH,, Jr.