Year: 1871

as body employed.


General Lees Unselfishness


The following "reminiscences of General
Lee are taken from the Christian Obser-
ger, of Richmond, edited by venerable
Presbyterian clergyman. The sobriety.
the self-poise, the unfailing rectitude of
intention of the Confederate commander
have been always as we'll understood as
his military genius. But the entire un-
sel6shness Of the man is not, perhaps, as
generally known as we find it illustrated
in the following anecdotes. 1t may be
the fashion to endeavor to render such a
man odious by the designation Of "reber'
--once considered in this country title
of honor; but it may at least be said Of
him, as of the rebel John Hampden, that
1.-THE memory of this deceased officer is
such that in no age to come but it will
more and more be. had in honor and
esteem; man SO religious, and of that
prudence. judgment. temper, valor and
integrity that he hath left few his like be-
hind him." Gen. Moltke has lately said
that the great man is tested, and especial
ly tested, by adversely. We see below
how Gen. Lee has borne this fiery proof
of virtue. Whilst thask who call him
''reber' were revelling in his estate in the
name of patriotism, and while his conse-
quent impoverishment and that of his
family held out powerful inducements to
receive any honest assistance which might
be rendered him, here is what he does
AN example of disinterestedness. self-sac-
ri6ce, and heroic personal independence
which it would be we'll for the country if
any parallel to it could be found among
those who revile him: Bait. Sun.
From the Christian Observer.1
The example of the late General Lee in
refusing all gifts and declining to receive
compensation for services not rendered. is
worth more to his country and to all who
follow it. than millions in gold. The facts
here stated will not be forgotten:


In the winter of 1864 the City Council
of Richmond rendered Gen. Lee an elegant
mansion as some small token of the high
estimate in which he was held by the city
which he bad so long defended. But the
grand old man replied: Il do not expect
to be in Richmond during the continuance
of the war. and my family are as comfort
able as they have right to expect to be
in these times. I must, therefore, with
many thanks for your consideration. most
respectfully declue your offer. If you
have money to give. I hope you will be-
stow it upon my private soldiers. who are
more needy and more deserving than my
self.".


At the close of the war offers of pecu-
mary assistance poured in upon him from
all sides. but he steadfastly refused to re-
ceive them An English nobleman, think
ing he would rejoice in some place of re-
treat from his Affections, wrote to offer
him a splendid country seat and hand
some annuity. He nobly replied, Il am
deeply grateful, but | cannot consent to
desert my native State in the hour of her
deep adversely. I must abide her fortune
and share her fate"


Soon after he took charge of Washing
ton College be was visited by the agent Of
an insurance company, who offered him
the presidency at salary of ten thousand
dollars. He told the agent that he could
not properly attend to both. But, Gene
ral," said the agent, 1--WE do not want you
to discharge any duties. We simply wish
the use Of your name; that will abundant
ly compensate u.s."


Excuse me. sir" was the prompt and
decided rejoinder. Il cannot consent to
receive pay for services do not render. :"


He received many offers of this sort,
and just short time befDre his death a
large manufacturing company in New
York offered him a salary of fifty thou
sand dollars year if he would become
their president. But to all such offers he
had the same reply-his duty in the col
lege fully occupied his time. and he would
not receive pay where he did not render
service. He refused to receive from the
college anything like SO large salary as
they desired to pay him. and when. last
year, the trustees decided to Mrs. Lee a
IL II 4 I