Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1915-08-26
aA Colossal Fiauree

Gen, Robert 3. Lee for liberty are
vying with each other IN paying hom-
age; even those who opposed him in
that struggle are joining in the chorus
of eulogy. All alike stand with uncov-
cred heads and look with profound re-
spect upon the colossal figure Of this
great man ss it lifts its head above the
heroes of this world and count my
self fortunate that am allowed to join
the throng in its song Of praise Of our
hero.
To write brief sketch of so great q
character as General Lees is indeed
herculean task. and as one approaches
such work he feels that if he could but
write there is a genius. I" and close his
book, he has but partially told the
story of so full life. first glance
at the memoirs Of General Lee one
would think that his biographers have
chronicled all that have been said of
him, but on second analysis we find
that unwritten history has in it's pages
many beautiful stories that would 60
far toward identifying his splendid
career, and if taken to ourselves will
make the fibres that enter the warp
and wool of our characters firn4er and
stronger and more ready to lift; JUS
upon the higher plane Of living that
this model man seemed to walk alone
on; yet not alone in his youth fiS caught
the "Lochiel" at his mothers knee that
warned him against entering the con-
test of life single-hapded, and that
there are evil influences at work in
the world that he must encounter, and
that would surely bear him to earth if
he did not call to his aid the helpful
arm of the Savior T is he did, and
this is the keynote of General Lees
successful and glorious life, and here is
where he learned the first great lesson
in duty. which if followed leads men
to honor, fortune and fame. Duty to
General Lee, was the sublimest word
in his vocabulary. In making up the
motto that was to be his guide he made
"duty" the central figure Inhis letter
TO his son GUSTS while at West Point
he wrote "Do your duty, no man can
do more, no man should be content
With less. = This golden motto mar
shaded all the splendid elements in Gen
eral L ee's character against the evil
hours hat must come to men Of action
on the stage fife, and gained for him
the victory over himself, and finally
made him know the full force of the
Biblical truism He who conquers
himself is greater than one that taketh
the walled city" Self-contro was a
law unto General Lee, and he made
himself obedient to it in peace as well
,s in war. The outcome of such self
discipline was the development of a
strong and symmetrical character.
which made those whom he conquered
and those to whom he at last surrender
ed vie with each other in paying him
homage, and those who knew him best
and folio we'd him closest in battle feel
like saying Here is indeed a man
made in the image of his God Born
and reared in the purple and then born
again in the religion Of Christ, he was
truly Christian gentleman. To be
anvl hing else was indeed beyond him
The strongest and subllmest virtue
possessed by General Lee was his pow
er over men; his personality, while
strong was mid and pleasant. On the
battlefield the sheen of his sword ap-
peared to fash the very fire of his gen
Jus. and brought from his men approx
ing plaudits and moved them to- deed.
of daring that have in turn been les.
SON. and an inspiration to their adver.
saries and the armies of the old world
This is but miniature. picture of Gen.
eral Lee in victory. Let US see how
he appears in defeat. If there is any
difference you will think him grande
at Appomattox than at the Wilderness
Clothed in all the dignity and grandeur
of a splendid nature made more SO BY
the consciousness Of having lived 8
goodly life and serving his country with
honor, he lowered the flag at Appomat
tox with such dignity and manliness
that it did not occur to General GRAM
to ask him for his sword. On the
other hand, he showed him such con
sideration as brother officer would be
pleased with. After seeing that his
suffering men were fed, he babe then
an affectionaUe farewell and praised
: them for duty well performed on Sc
: many battle fields. and then, mid theil
cheers and tears, rode off on faithful
Traveller" to the quiet of country
home where there was not drum tt
be heard" no cannon's roar nor the
rattle of musketry to call him again t.
the battlefield. While at Washington
: and Lee University. though he dislik &c
the blood and carnage of war, he loYeG
to recite the stories that told of tbs
powers of his splendid army and otter
/. went to the side of his dead and callee
Eup the glories that lighted up theil
graves. then left garlands of precious
t memories scattered around.
His duty faithfully performed, at 8
ripe age, General Lee sat ''at the ford
: with the halo of glory about his brow
that of right belongs to such military
genius and Christian gentleman. wait.
ing to be called over the river to rest
with the army of the dead that Genera
] Stonewall Jackson seemed to speak tc
in the delirium from his mortal wounc
when he said: LET US cross over the