Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-07-10
VIRGiNIA's GREATEST HERO
ROBERT EDWARD LEE.

from all Of Virginia's heroes the
greatest one OF them all. But finally
decided that General Robert T.. Lee
~ the most characteristic braves,
and noblest one OF all of Viruiuin.s
brave sons.
Some people get the idea that
" ashington Is the only Virginia
nero. hut we can find some lust as
good tand better than he.
ain not rcbukinp Washington a,
all. because think he is not lacking
in capability, truthfulnesy or nnv
thing else. but have finally made
'hc decision that Lee is the greatest
son virginia ever had Not only wos
ne the hero and idol Of many wars
hut "a man no; lacking I'm chnractor.
s'h'ic. buI hrn. very religions man.
ana the idol and protector of In.
south and the Southern people.
People have remarked that in hjs
campaign of the war. he iii dino, rush
rieh' INTO battle. but thought his
pI"hs out before he carried them into
erect the most cool ana collected
general when it came to the heated
part Of the battle. who wouId risi,
ms ne To save fellow comrades I'm
the bloody war. That was General
to"ert IT, Lee. such gentle and low
hoi' man. which made men yyursbin
h'"-haF. even go down to death for
"ih'' Az general and soldier. he
""S hih6. but hrm-but az q husband
ana father. he was of a gentle ANA
rowing character. losing his forced
stcrnness In his love for his wiz. ana
children.
Now before 20 yet deeper into
ms kihd character. vii! touch a lii
Tie on his life
re was horn in spacious ana an
tiiue brick mansion in Wcs,morc,and
"'S' "b"ut mile from the south
oank OF the Potomac River. This
mouse !s very famous for under I,s
,oot were born two signers of IN,
Ne''"Fhtioh OF Independence. and
,."Lc famous because on January 10.
'"c greatest of NirGinia's sons
was born under It's roof nanci,
ROBERT +. Lee. the hero Of the Soutb
IN Lees veins flowed the blood NJ
-" Ech'!e race Of people "A long limo ~
ancestors who were known for ,ho,r
bravery. hnc character .nd soIdicri,.
temperament.
From his early boyhood
showed an ideal character. IJis oarI,,
"''S were spent among traditions ~
,"' name most honorcd ana reycrn,,
~ me I"es.-Gcncral George WASH
ington. '"H"-
Lee resemblcd Washington I'm
"c'er' ana was. in some respcc,s H.
MN WashinSton's influence ON L..
100 "'"rked so plainly that the d..
aos'o' OF The son OF Light Hors.
bounds n"e" no
Rotcrt L. Lee. like wosbiny,o,
became an orphan at III. npa l, - -,
ears ms father having been kiI,.I
=" pa um"re. and Lee was broucb,
wy pE the gentle hand of Anne ca
"', ms mother. Early in his M. bic
"t"c' ana mother moved TO AIayan
u''"' IN" home most sacred Win
memories OF Washington. his idni
ana whom he was related 10 h,. -,
east one strain OF blood.
'.'' was Il patient and loving so,
ms mother. and in har las, Hines
n"LSc" htr night and Slay. Heforn
w''ner his mothers gentle hand Leo
""sn' the divinity OF truth ana
me shcredness OF God.
az an early age Lee selected a.,
'n''ltaiy career. which was In nc
f!ood-the fighting instinct ,r,,in no
t'Ve Tame 10 more than one OF hi.
ancestors OF many wars. n. 500,
went 10 West Point and became ,
c""et-adjutancy of the CORPS OF mil.
tary men. rs va '''''-
Loved aiei ravcrcd by all men :,
wis hot small wonder that mo,
would go down 10 the death for To-
ms Sehtieness and Kindness Of bo,r,
N"n many notable people TO his side
an" petore long he had a nock M
proP'e about him who would bow
riorc MN. Just as the ancient
'.cNS bowed down to their gods
~ 80 l..
thctic heart. Joseph T.. Johrs,on bt.
comrade. said that one marniny a,,ar
d oattle IN Mexico. Johnston lost a
cherished relative Lee. seeing bis
ef'ei. burst into tears and sootbna
nm as tender ''ns his lovely vic
"",'i" have done" This occurrence
ana many others show the Kindness
ana hcartincss of General Lee.
IN June, 1881. Lee chose as his wife
the granddaughter OF Washington's
s'epson. Mary Parke Gusts. This
marriage was a success. Seven chill
dren were born to them. nearly an
oil them rising to fame i'm the south
eIh army, all Of them true soldiers
VI many wars. like their father be
fore.
Lees first great military service
was won in the Mexican war. Throurb
'N''e'i NdDilal WIS OCTu-
pied' Lee having went on perilous
journey at night to save the troops
Never was there n man in Virri,,i,
who stood through all the heart, the
curse and darkest moments of hat
ne without comment Though all
me rest OF the men grumLled. Lee
alone listened patiently. and he near
~ always won out in the battles. too.
Beneath Lees joviality Of manner
ana pleasant form. underneath his
breast beat heart of gold (or.
would say. iron), which never wav-
cred at the coming OF the enemy or
inc news OF some sudden disaster.
Among the many things We admire
Lee is that he didn't indulge I'm
ulgar sports or break into vile habits
or disgusting language.
The reports on Lees Undated
bravery. courage, good conduct, etc.
the Mexican War were spread all
yer, and his modcsty in the praises
wen him for the many brave events
did.
RACES could not tell Lees character.
bravery and greatness Not only did
he render services to the Southern
people, but also to the whole United