Year: 1870

I Such was the lesson which General
Lee was now to observe and eXemplify
in his own life. Assailed by impOrtu-
mites, tempted by the highest military
office within the gift of the Federal
Government, solicited by the voices OF
friendship, he remained silently wait
ing for the call of duty. He was
prompt to respond to it. On the 18th
April, 1861, Virginia seeded from the
Union on the 18th Lee knew it; Oh
the Goth he dissolved his connection
following letter to General Scott:


ARLINGTON, VA, April 20, 1861.


General: Since my interview with
yon on the 18th inst, l have felt that
1 ought not longer to retain my COM
mission in the army. l therefore ten
der my resignation, which I request
you will recommend for acceptance.
1t would have been presented at once,
but for the struggle it has cost me to
separate myself from q service to which
Ihave devoted all the best years of my
life and all the ability I possessed.


"During the whole of that time
more than a quarter of century,
have experienced nothing but kindness
from my superiOrs, and the most cor
dial friendship from my comrades. To
10 one, General, have l been as much
indebted as to yourself for uniform
kindness and consideration, and it has
always been my arduOus desire to merit
your appreciation. I shall carry to the
grave the most grateful recOllections of
your kind consideration, and your
name and fame will always be dear to
me.


HSave in defense of my native State,
I never desire to draw my sword. Be
TOIn fn 1pclf
wishes for the continuance of your hap
piness and prosperity, and believe me
most truly yours,


Lieutenant General Winfield Scott,
Commanding United States army"


A copy of the preceding letter was
inclosed in the following letter to rel
ative, which more completely discovers
the state of General Lees mind:


ARLINGTON, VA, April 20, 1861.


My Dear Sister, am grieved at
my inability to see you. 1
have been waiting { for a more cOnve-
nient season. which has brought to
many before me deep and lasting re-
gret. Now we are in a state of war
which will yield to nothing. The
whole South is in a state of revolution,
into which Virginia, after a long strug-
gle, has been drawn, and though I re-
cOgnize no necessity for this state Of
things, and would have forbone ard
pleaded to the end for redress of griev-
ances, real or supposed, yet in my own
person / had to meet the question,
GUIetHer I should take part against MAJ
1ldtiUe State. With all my devotion to
the Union, and the feeling of loyalty
and duty of an American citizen, l
have not been able to make up my
mind to raise my hand against my rel
atives, my children, my home. have,
therefore, resigned my commission in
the army, ard save in defense of my
native State, with the sincere hope
that my poor services may never be
needed, 1 hope I may never be called
on to draw my sword.


81 know you will blame me, but you
must think as kindly of me as you can,
and believe that have endeavored to
do what thought right. To show you
the feeling and struggle it has cost me,
send a copy of my letter to General
Scott, which accompanied my letter of
have no time for more.


"May God guard and
protect you and yours, and shower
upon you every blessing, is the prayer
of your devoted brother,


r. Z. LEE"


TO BE CONTINUED.