The Columbus weekly dispatch., 1908-06-04


wore the gray are being called home.
and on last Thursday Gen. stephen
D. Lee, the distinguished command
er-in-chief of the United Confederate
Veterans, the valiant fighter who on
the field of battle commanded the re-
speet and obedience of brave men
and who in times of peace enjoyed
the love and esteem of all loyal citi-
zens, both North and South, has been
called upon to answer the final sum
mons, and has joined the ranks of
the Supreme Commander on high.
! Gen. Lee passed away at Vicksburg
about six O'Clock last THURSDAY
morning. his death having occurred
in the famous Hill City, whose his
tory is indissolubIy connected with
the great war in which he won fame
and distinction which have made his
name a household word throughout
the South, and which viii cause his
memory to be eternalIy cherished
and revered.
The dead chieftain went to Vicks-
burg last week to attend the reunion
of LAWYERS brigade, composed of one.
Wisconsin and three Iowa regi-
ments, and on the afternoon of May
22d delivered an impassioned ad-
dress. The meeting with the cid
fighters seemed to stir his heart 10
inmost depths, and he threw his
whole soul into the words of burn
ing patriotism that fell from his lips.
He became overheated and thorough
ly exhausted, and the hearty supper
which he ate disagreed with him.
having precipitated an attack OF
acute indigestion. DR.. j. A. K Bir-
chett was called in. and at first the
malady seemed to yield 70 treatment.
a temporary Improvement ia his con
dition having occurred On Tues
day, however, there was a change for
the worse. He continued TO grow
weaker, and about six o'clock Thurs
day morning he passed away. his
death having occurred at the home
of Capt. VIM. T. Rigby.
The news of Gen. Lees death
reached this city about eight O'Clock
Thursday morning, and caused uni
versaI grief and CONSERVATION. Few
people knew that he was sick. and
not even his closest friends had an
idea that death was so near. Hon
James T. Harrison, a brother-in-law
of the deceased, and his sister. Miss
Mary Harrison, had gone to Vicks-
burg in response to a telegram an
nouncing his illness, and reached the
bedside of the great chieftain before
he breathed his last Hon. Blewett
Harrison Lee, Gen Lees only son.
who is assistant general counsel OF
the Illinois Central Railroad, with
headquarters in Chicago, was notified
of his fathers condition by wire, and
left Immediately 70 Vicksburg, but
ere he reached the city the illustri- /
Gus warrior had surrendered his soul T
to God.
Gen. Lee was truly a soldier and /
man. He was the apogee of the I
brave, chivalrous, noble, high mind I
ed Southern gentleman, faithful 10 I
his duties, loyal TO his friends and +
true to his God. We are told by some T
gifted poet that ''the bravest are the
gentIest, the loving are the daring"
and the truth of this beautifully ex-
pressed thought finds exemplificati0n
in the life of Gen. Lee. Brave and
courageous on the field of battle, he
was in his home and among his
friends gentle, tender, kind and af-
feetionate. The brilliant intellect
that enabled him to adroitIy plan and
carry out great military
maneuyers was apparent in his ca
reer as business man as well as on
the battle ground, and every venture
he undertook in private life was han
died IN a manner which not only
meant success for the undertaking
but which caused his opinions on
business matters to be respected and
his advice eagerly sought.
Charleston, S. c., was the birth
place of Gen. Lee, he having first
seen the light Of day in that city on /.
Sept. p, 1893. After having secured
the LII. d. degree at Tulane Univer- /.
sity in New Orleans he entered the {
United States Military Academy at
West Point, from which institution (
he graduated in 1854. After his :
Gen. Lee was assigned TO