The Washington times., 1913-09-11
CHAPTER xxv1-(continued)

r-E was in great contrast to Lee
They were both men of hand
some type. but different. One
was dashing, light-hearted,
careless, free and easy, bold rider
and hard fighter, a splendid horseman-
The other was tremendous PERSONAL
ity OF such strength, dignity, and pow
Ger that he lowered like Roman i'm
,rator among his brilliant contempor-
Z. les.
Congratulations, Stuart, on the bril-
Mt way in which you carried out my
!. ers. 1t is due entirely to your splen-
"a fighting and your quick compre-
;nsion of my plans that We are able
. reach this most advantageous posi-
q on. We should have been outfianked
ut for you"
when you lay a plan, general, we're
he boys TO carry it out" said Stuart.
q niling with pleasure: 'and If j may
q ke the liberty, l congratulate you on
,e choice of messenger"
f."Captain Grafton" asked Lee inter-
!. ,gatively.
; "oh! Grafton be hang beg par
On. GraftonII refer TO Captain Graf
7 ms wife. General Lee. She got
trough the Union lines, was three
mes wounded, and yet arrived safely
, nd delivered the orders. She had a
terrible time of it, but it takes Southern
women to do things like that II the
-ppiy of men gives out, as il most
,ikely will, l propose that we ask the
,Somen to 'Jine the cavalry" said
eye, humming the first bar of that mer-
~ little chorus. But General Lee was
in no mood for 5trifiing.
{ General Stuanhe said, Il gave
he orders to qeptste Grafton: ] m
.ivering them without delay and at all
hazards l enjoined him to let nothing
whatsoever distract him from his pur-
pose for a moment even. i pointed out
10 him that upon the delivery of those
orders and your carrying them out de-
lpended the salvation Of the army, the
.Confederacy. Captain Grafton heard a
woman scream for help along the
Catharpin road. Although it was mis-
TO allow nothing to deter him, he turn
led to succor this woman"
I. Who was this woman. may / ask
igeneral%' questioned Stuart
My wife, said Grafton. standing very
erect, clenching his hands TO keep back
his emotions.
Did you know that she was your
wife when you went To her?'
Il did"
Stuart turned to Lee. look of pity
and appeal in his eyes.
General Lee went on in measured
tones.
Captain Grafton had not seen his
wife for nearly year. She had left
him at Gettysburg, for reasons which
do not reflect upon her or him, and
which we will not go into further
which you will not refer to. of course
Stuart nodded. When this appeal WAS
made &c him he plunged aside to rescue
her from imminent danger OF life
And nonor," Grafton ventured 10 n
terru;6 again.
Il beg your pardon. but don't forget
that, general, urged Stuart, perceiyiag
whittier all this tended.
Il shall not" returned Lee, who wish
ed above all things to state the case
fairly. He was captured, of course,
and prevented from delivering that
message. Indeed. his wifc barely man
aged &c get it 10 you. Captain Grafton.
made prisoner, told her the orders ana
she promised 10 deliver them. In some
way she managed to get through"
She looked as IL she had been drawn
through death and destruction when she
came fainting into my camp" said
Stuart.
she is an honor TO Virginia, to the
whole South. and the story of her ride,
when II is known. will be an inspira-
ton tC the soldiers Of the army" went
On Lee sra-ely. Being ignorant of the
circun stances, ] had just congratulated
Captain Grafton upon his brilliant
achievement He, very honorably told
himsel. in my hands. He has commit |
ied g serious breach Of military duty |
What Go you advise me to dor |
Undue leniency Was General Lees
greatest fault. 1t was the one blemish |
upon his brilliant record as leader that !
he sometimes seemed to lack that ruth |
isssness which measures out well-mer- |
aydissd the safety ef osusS by tneom.