Patriotic motives for acceptance of trust--Condition of college--The
General’s arrival at Lexington--He prepares for the removal of his
family to that city--Advice to Robert Junior--Trip to “Bremo” on private
canal-boat--Mrs. Lee’s invalidism
About this time my father received from the Board of Trustees of
Washington College a notification of his election to the presidency of
that institution, at a meeting of the board held in Lexington, Virginia,
on August 4, 1865. The letter apprising him of the action was presented
by Judge John W. Brockenborough, rector of the college. This was
a complete surprise to my father. He had already been offered the
vice-chancellorship of the “University of the South,” at Sewanee,
Tennessee, but declined it on the ground that it was denominational, and
to some suggestions that he should connect himself with the University
of Virginia he objected because it was a State institution.
Washington College had started as an academy in 1749. It was the first
classical school opened in the Valley of Virginia. After a struggle of
many years, under a succession of principals and with several changes
of site, it at length acquired such a reputation as to attract the
attention of General Washington. He gave it a handsome endowment,
and the institution changed its name from “Liberty Hall Academy” to
Washington College. In the summer of 1865, the college, through the
calamities of civil war, had reached the lowest point of depression it
had ever known. Its buildings, library, and apparatus had suffered from
the sack and plunder of hostile soldiery. Its invested funds, owing to
the general impoverishment throughout the land, were for the time being
rendered unproductive and their ultimate value was most uncertain. Four
professors still remained on duty, and there were about forty
students, mainly from the country around Lexington. It was not a State
institution, nor confined to any one religious denomination, so two
objections which might have been made by my father were removed. But the
college in later years had only a local reputation. It was very poor,
indifferently equipped with buildings, and with no means in sight to
improve its condition.
“There was a general expectation that he would decline the position as
not sufficiently lucrative, if his purpose was to repair the ruins
of his private fortune resulting from the war; as not lifting him
conspicuously enough in the public gaze, if he was ambitious of office
or further distinction; or as involving too great labour and anxiety,
if he coveted repose after the terrible contest from which he had just
emerged.” [Professor E. S. Joynes]
He was very reluctant to accept this appointment, but for none of the
above reasons, as the average man might have been. Why he was doubtful
of undertaking the responsibilities of such a position his letter of
acceptance clearly shows. He considered the matter carefully and then
wrote the following letter to the committee:
“Powhatan County, August 24, 1865.
“Gentlemen: I have delayed for some days replying to your letter of the
5th inst., informing me of my election by the board of trustees to the
presidency of Washington College, from a desire to give the subject due
consideration. Fully impressed with the responsibilities of the office,
I have feared that I should be unable to discharge its duties to the
satisfaction of the trustees or to the benefit of the country. The
proper education of youth requires not only great ability, but I fear
more strength than I now possess, for I do not feel able to undergo the
labour of conducting classes in regular courses of instruction. I could
not, therefore, undertake more than the general administration and
supervision of the institution. I could not, therefore, undertake more
than the general administration and supervision of the institution.
There is another subject which has caused me some serious reflection,
and is, I think, worthy of the consideration of the board. Being
excluded from the terms of amnesty in the proclamation of the President
of the United States, of the 29th of May last, and an object of
censure to a portion of the country, I have thought it probable that my
occupation of the position of president might draw upon the college
a feeling of hostility; and I should, therefore, cause injury to an
institution which it would be my highest desire to advance. I think it
the duty of every citizen, in the present condition of the country, to
do all in his power to aid in the restoration of peace and harmony,
and in no way to oppose the policy of the State or general government
directed to that object. It is particularly incumbent on those charged
with the instruction of the young to set them an example of submission
to authority, and I could not consent t be the cause of animadversion
upon the college. Should you, however, take a different view, and think
that my services in the position tendered to me by the board will be
advantageous to the college and country, I will yield to your judgement
and accept it; otherwise, I must most respectfully decline the office.
Begging you to express to the trustees of the college my heartfelt
gratitude for the honour conferred upon me, and requesting you to accept
my cordial thanks for the kind manner in which you have communicated
their decision, I am, gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient
servant, R. E. Lee”
To present a clearer view of some of the motives influencing my father
in accepting this trust--for such he considered it--I give an extract
from an address on the occasion of his death, by Bishop Wilmer, of
Louisiana, delivered at the University of the South, at Sewanee,
Tennessee:
“I was seated,” says Bishop Wilmer, “at the close of the day, in my
Virginia home, when I beheld, through the thickening shades of evening,
a horseman entering the yard, whom I soon recognised as General Lee.
The next morning he placed in my hands the correspondence with the
authorities of Washington College at Lexington. He had been invited to
become president of that institution. I confess to a momentary feeling
of chagrin at the proposed change (shall I say revulsion?) in his
history. The institution was one of local interest, and comparatively
unknown to our people. I named others more conspicuous which would
welcome him with ardour at the presiding head. I soon discovered
that his mind towered above these earthly distinctions; that, in his
judgement, the CAUSE gave dignity to the institution, and not the wealth
of its endowment or the renown of its scholars; that this door and
not another was opened to him by Providence, and he only wished to be
assured of his competency to fulfil his trust and this to make his few
remaining years a comfort and blessing to his suffering country. I had
spoken to his human feelings; he had now revealed himself to me as
one ‘whose life was hid with Christ in God.’ My speech was no longer
restrained. I congratulated him that his heart was inclined to this
great cause, and that he was prepared to give to the world this august
testimony to the importance of Christian education. How he listened to
my feeble words; how he beckoned me to his side, as the fulness of heart
found utterance; how his whole countenance glowed with animation as
I spoke of the Holy Ghost as the great Teacher, whose presence was
required to make education a blessing, which otherwise might be the
curse of mankind; how feelingly he responded, how ELOQUENTLY, as I never
heard him speak before--can never be effaced from memory; and nothing
more sacred mingles with my reminiscences of the dead.”
The board of trustees, on August 31st, adopted and sent to General Lee
resolutions saying that, in spite of his objections, “his connection
with the institution would greatly promote its prosperity and advance
the general interest of education, and urged him to enter upon his
duties as president at his earliest convenience.”
My father had had nearly four years’ experience in the charge of young
men at West Point. The conditions at that place, to be sure, were very
different from those at the one to which he was now going, but the work
in the main was the same--to train, improve and elevate. I think he was
influenced, in making up his mind to accept this position, by the great
need of education in his State and in the South, and by the opportunity
that he saw at Washington College for starting almost from the
beginning, and for helping, by his experience and example, the youth of
his country to become good and useful citizens.
In the latter part of September, he mounted Traveller and started alone
for Lexington. He was four days on the journey, stopping with some
friend each night. He rode into Lexington on the afternoon of the
fourth day, no one knowing of his coming until he quietly drew up and
dismounted at the village inn. Professor White, who had just turned into
the main street as the General halted in front of the hotel, said he
knew in a moment that this stately rider on the iron-gray charger must
be General Lee. He, therefore, at once went forward, as two or three
old soldiers gathered around to help the General down, and insisted on
taking him to the home of Colonel Reid, the professor’s father-in-law,
where he had already been invited to stay. My father, with his
usual consideration for others, as it was late in the afternoon, had
determined to remain at the hotel that night and go to Mr. Reid’s in
the morning; but yielding to Captain White’s (he always called him
“Captain,” his Confederate title) assurances that all was made ready for
him, he accompanied him to the home of his kind host.
The next morning, before breakfast, he wrote the following letter to
my mother announcing his safe arrival. The “Captain Edmund” and “Mr.
Preston” mentioned in it were the sons of our revered friend and
benefactress Mrs. E. R. Cocke. Colonel Preston and Captain Frank were
her brother and nephew:
“Lexington, September 19, 1865.
“My Dear Mary: I reached here yesterday about one P.M., and on riding
up to the hotel was met by Professor White, of Washington College, who
brought me up to his father-in-law’s, Colonel Reid, the oldest member
of the trustees of the college, where I am very comfortably quartered.
To-day I will look out for accommodations elsewhere, as the Colonel has
a large family and I fear I am intruding upon his hospitality. I
have not yet visited the college grounds. They seem to be beautifully
located, and the buildings are undergoing repairs. The house assigned
to the president, I am told, has been rented to Dr. Madison (I believe),
who has not been able to procure another residence, and I do not know
when it will be vacated, nor can I tell you more about it. I saw Mrs.
and Colonel Preston, Captain Frank, and his sister. All the family are
well. I shall go after breakfast to inquire after my trunks. I had
a very pleasant journey here. The first two days were very hot, but,
reaching the mountain region the third day, the temperature was much
cooler. I came up in four days’ easy rides, getting to my stopping-place
by one P.M. each day, except the third, when I slept on top of the Blue
Ridge, which I reached at three P.M. The scenery was beautiful all the
way. I am writing before breakfast, and must be short. Last night I
found a blanket and coverlid rather light covering, and this morning I
see a fire in the dining-room. I have thought much of you all since I
left. Give much love to the girls and Custis and remember me to all at
‘Oakland.’
“Most affectionately yours, R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
When he first arrived, the family, very naturally, stood a little in awe
of him. This feeling, however, was soon dispelled, for his simple and
unaffected manners in a short while put them at ease. There were some
little children in the house, and they and the General at once became
great friends. With these kind and hospitable friends he stayed several
days. After being present at a meeting of the board of trustees, he rode
Traveller over to the Rockbridge Baths--eleven miles from Lexington--and
from there writes to my mother, on September 25th:
“...Am very glad to hear of Rob’s arrival. I am sorry that I missed
seeing the latter, but find it was necessary that I should have been
present at the meeting of the board of trustees on the 20th. They
adjourned on the eve of the 21st, and on the morning of the 22d I rode
over here, where I found Annie and Miss Belle [Mrs. Chapman Leigh and
Miss Belle Harrison, of Brandon, both very dear friends and cousins
of my father].... The babies [Mrs. Leigh’s] are well and sweet. I have
taken the baths every day since my arrival, and like them very much.
In fact, they are delightful, and I wish you were all here to enjoy
them.... Annie and Belle go in two, and sometimes three, times a day.
Yesterday I procured some horses and took them up to the top of Jump
Mountain, where we had one of the most beautiful views I ever saw.
To-day I could get but one horse, and Miss Belle and I rode up Hays
Creek Valley, which possessed beauties of a different kind. I shall
return to Lexington on the 29th. I perceive, as yet, no change in my
rheumatic affection.... Tell Custis I am much obliged to him for his
attention to my baggage. All the articles enumerated by him arrived
safely at Colonel Reid’s Thursday morning early. I also received the
package of letters he sent.... I hope he may receive the appointment at
the V. M. I. Everyone interested has expressed a desire he should do so,
and I am more desirous than all of them. If he comes by land, he will
find the route I took very pleasant, and about 108 miles, namely:
‘Bremo’--Dr. Wilmer’s--Waynesboro’--Greenville. He will find me at
the Lexington Hotel.... I wish you were all here with me. I feel very
solitary and miss you all dreadfully. Give much love to the girls and
boys--kind remembrances to Mrs. P., Miss Louisa, and Mrs. Thos. Cocke. I
have no news. Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.
“P.S.--Annie and Belle send a great deal of love to all. R. E. L.”
These little excursions and the meeting with old friends and dear
cousins were sources of real enjoyment and grateful rest. The pains of
the past, the worries of the present, and the cares for the future
were, for the time being, banished. My father earnestly desired a quiet,
informal inauguration, and his wish was gratified. On October 2, 1865,
in the presence of the trustees, professors and students, after solemn
and appropriate prayer by the Rev. W. S. White, D. D., the oldest
Christian minister in the town [the father of Professor (or “Captain”)
White], he took the oath of office as required by the laws of the
college, and was thus legally inaugurated as its president.
On October 3d he wrote my mother:
“...I am glad to hear that Rob is improving, and hope you had the
pleasure of seeing Mr. Dana [Our old pastor of Christ’s Church,
Alexandria, the trusted friend of my grandmother and mother, who
had baptised all the children at Arlington].... The college opened
yesterday, and a fine set of youths, about fifty, made their appearance
in a body. It is supposed that many more will be coming during the
month. The scarcity of money everywhere embarrasses all proceedings.
General Smith informs me that the Military Institute will commence its
exercises on the 16th inst.; and that Custis was unanimously elected to
the chair of Civil Engineering [The Virginia Military Institute, a State
institution, modelled after the U. S. Military Academy at West Point,
was located in Lexington, and its grounds adjoined those of Washington
College. Since its foundation in 1839, unto this time, General F. H.
Smith had been its superintendent.]. I am living at the Lexington Hotel,
and he must come there if he comes up.... The ladies have furnished me a
very nice room in the college for my office; new carpet from Baltimore,
curtains, etc. They are always doing something kind.... I came up
September 30th from the Baths. Annie and Miss Belle still there and very
well. They expect to be here on the 10th.... You tell me nothing of the
girls. I hope Agnes is getting strong and fat. I wished for them both at
the Baths. Annie and Belle were my only companions. I could not trespass
upon them always. The scenery is beautiful here, but I fear it will
be locked up in winter by the time you come. Nothing could be more
beautiful than the mountains now....
“Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.”
In addition to his duties as college president, my father had to make
all the arrangements for his new home. The house assigned him by the
college was occupied by Dr. Madison, who was to move out as soon as he
could. Carpenters, painters and glaziers had to be put to work to get
it into condition; furniture, carpets, bedding to be provided, a cook
procured, servants and provisions supplied.
My mother was an invalid and absent, and as my sisters were with
her, everything down to the minutest details was done by my father’s
directions and under his superintendence. He had always been noted for
his care and attention to the little things, and that trait, apparent in
him when a mere lad, practised all through his busy and eventful life,
stood him in good stead now. The difficulties to be overcome were made
greater by the scarcity and inaccessibility of supplies and workmen
and the smallness of his means. In addition, he conducted a large
correspondence, always answering every letter. To every member of his
family he wrote continually, and was interested in all our pursuits,
advising and helping us as no one else could have done. Some of his
letters to my mother at this time show how he looked into every matter,
great or small, which related to her comfort and welfare, and to the
preparation of her new home. For example, on October 9th he writes:
“...Life is indeed gliding away and I have nothing of good to show for
mine that is past. I pray I may be spared to accomplish something for
the benefit of mankind and the honour of God.... I hope I may be able
to get the house prepared for you in time to reach here before the cold
weather. Dr. Madison has sent me word that he will vacate the house
on the 16th inst., this day week. I will commence to make some outside
repairs this week, so as to get at the inside next, and hope by the 1st
of November it will be ready for you. There is no furniture belonging to
the house, but we shall require but little to commence with. Mr. Green,
of Alexandria, to whom I had written, says that his manufacturing
machinery, etc., has been so much injured that, although it has been
returned to him, he cannot resume operations until next year, but
that he will purchase for us anything we desire. I believe nothing is
manufactured in Richmond--everything comes from the North, and we might
as well write to Baltimore at once for what we want. What do you think?
I believe nothing of consequence is manufactured here. I will see this
week what can be done....”
And again, a few days later, he writes:
“...I hope you are all well, and as comfortable as can be. I am
very anxious to get you all here, but have made little progress in
accomplishing it so far. Dr. M. expects to vacate the house this week,
but I fear it is not certain he can do so.... I engaged some carpenters
last week to repair the roof, fences, stable, etc., but for want of
material they could not make a commencement. There is no lumber here at
hand. Everything has to be prepared. I have not been in the house yet,
but I hear there is much to be done. We shall have to be patient. As
soon as it is vacated, I will set to work. I think it will be more
expeditious and cheaper to write to Renwick [of Baltimore] to send what
articles of furniture will be required, and also to order some carpets
from Baltimore....”
In a postscript, dated the 17th, he says:
“The carpenters made a beginning on the house yesterday. I hope it may
be vacated this week. I will prepare your room first. The rest of us can
bivouac. Love to all. Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.”
On October 19th:
“...I have been over the house we are to occupy. It is in wretched
condition. Mrs. M. has not yet vacated it, but I have some men at work,
though this storm has interrupted their operations and I fear little
will be done this week. I think I can make your room comfortable. The
upstairs is very convenient and the rest of the house sufficiently so. I
think you had better write at once to Brit [the “Brit” mentioned here is
Mrs. Birtannia Kennon, of “Tudor Place,” my mother’s first cousin. She
had saved for us a great many of the household goods from Arlington,
having gotten permission from the Federal authorities to do so, at the
time it was occupied by their forces] to send the curtains you speak of,
and the carpets. It is better to use what we have than to buy others.
Their use where originally intended [Arlington, to that beloved home my
mother still hoped to return] is very uncertain. They have been tossed
about for four years, and may be lost or ruined. They can come by
express to Lynchburg, and then up the canal, or by Richmond. The
merchants say the former is the best way--much more expeditious and but
little more expensive.”
Spending the summer on the Pamunkey at the White House, exposed all day
in the fields to the sun, and at night to the malaria from the river and
marshes, I became by the last of September one continuous “chill,” so it
was decided that, as the corn was made, the fodder saved, the wheat land
broken up, and hands not so greatly needed, I should get a furlough.
Mounting my mare, I started on a visit to my mother and sisters, hoping
that the change to the upper country would help me to get rid of the
malaria. When I reached “Derwent” my father had gone to Lexington,
but my mother and the rest were there to welcome me and dose me for my
ailments. There was still some discussion among us all as to what was
the best thing for me to do, and I wrote to my father, telling him of
my preference for a farmer’s life and my desire to work my own land. The
following letter, which he wrote me in reply, is, like all I ever got
from him, full of love, tenderness, and good, sensible advice:
“My Dear Son: I did not receive until yesterday your letter of the 8th
inst. I regret very much having missed seeing you--still more to hear
that you have been suffering from intermittent fever. I think the best
thing you can do is to eradicate the disease from your system, and
unless there is some necessity for your returning to the White House,
you had better accompany your mother here. I have thought very earnestly
as to your future. I do not know to what stage your education has
been carried, or whether it would be advantageous for you to pursue it
further. Of that you can judge. If you do, and will apply yourself so as
to get the worth of your money, I can advance it to you for this year
at least. If you do not, and wish to take possession of your farm, I can
assist you a little in that. As matters now stand, you could raise money
on your farm only by mortgaging it, which would put you in debt at the
beginning of your life, and I fear in the end would swallow up all your
property. As soon as I am restored to civil rights, if I ever am, I will
settle up your grandfather’s estate, and put you in possession of your
share. The land may be responsible for some portion of his debts or
legacies. If so, you will have to assume it. In the meantime, I think it
would be better for you, if you determine to farm your land, to go down
there as you propose and begin on a moderate scale. I can furnish you
means to buy a team, wagon, implements, etc. What will it cost? If you
cannot wait to accompany your mother here, come up to see me and we can
talk it over. You could come up in the packet and return again. If you
do come, ask Agnes for my box of private papers I left with her, and
bring it with you; but do not lose it for your life, or we are all
ruined. Wrap it up with your clothes and put it in a carpet-bag or
valise, so that you can keep it with you or within your sight, and do
not call attention to it. I am glad to hear that Fitzhugh keeps so well,
and that he is prospering in his farming operations. Give him a great
deal of love for me. The first thing you must do is to get well.
“Your affectionate father,
“R. E. Lee.”
His letters to his daughters tell, in a playful way, much of his life,
and are full of the quiet humor in which he so often indulged. We were
still at “Derwent,” awaiting the time when the house in Lexington should
be ready. It had been decided that I should remain and accompany my
mother and sisters to Lexington, and that some of us, or all, should go
up the river to “Bremo,” the beautiful seat of Dr. Charles Cocke, and
pay a visit there before proceeding to Lexington. Here is a letter from
my father to his daughter Mildred:
“Lexington, October 29, 1865.
“My Precious Life: Your nice letter gave me much pleasure and made me
the more anxious to see you. I think you girls, after your mother is
comfortable at ‘Bremo,’ will have to come up and arrange the house for
her reception. You know I am a poor hand and can do nothing without
your advice. Your brother, too, is wild for the want of admonition. Col.
Blair is now his ‘fidus Achates,’ and as he is almost as gray as your
papa, and wears the same uniform, all gray, he is sometimes taken for
him by the young girls, who consider your brother the most attentive
of sons, and giving good promise of making a desirable husband. He will
find himself married some of these days before he knows it. You had
better be near him. I hope you give attention to Robert. Miss Sallie
will thaw some of the ice from his heart. Tell her she must come up
here, as I want to see her badly. I do not know what you will do with
your chickens, unless you take them to ‘Bremo,’ and thus bring them
here. I suppose Robert would not eat ‘Laura Chilton’ and ‘Don Ella
McKay.’ Still less would he devour his sister ‘Mildred’ [these were
the names of some of my sister’s pet chickens]. I have scarcely gotten
acquainted with the young ladies. They look very nice in the walks, but
I rarely get near them. Traveller is my only companion; I may also say
my pleasure. He and I, whenever practicable, wander out in the mountains
and enjoy sweet confidence. The boys are plucking out his tail, and he
is presenting the appearance of a plucked chicken. Two of the belles of
the neighborhood have recently been married--Miss Mattie Jordan to Dr.
Cameron, and Miss Rose Cameron to Dr. Sherod. The former couple go to
Louisburg, West Virginia, and start to-morrow on horseback, the bride’s
trousseau in a baggage wagon; the latter to Winchester. Miss Sherod,
one of the bridesmaids, said she knew you there. I did not attend the
weddings, but have seen the pairs of doves. Both of the brides are
remarkable in this county of equestrianism for their good riding and
beauty. With true affection, Your fond father,
“R. E. Lee.”
To his daughter Agnes, about the same time, he writes:
“Lexington, Virginia, October 26, 1865.
“My Dear Agnes: I will begin the correspondence of the day by
thanking you for your letter of the 9th. It will, I am sure, be to
me intellectually what my morning’s feast is corporeally. It will
strengthen me for the day, and smooth the rough points which constantly
protrude in my epistles. I am glad Robert is with you. It will be
a great comfort to him, and I hope, in addition, will dissipate his
chills. He can also accompany you in your walks and rides and be that
silent sympathy (for he is a man of few words) which is so soothing.
Though marble to women, he is so only externally, and you will find him
warm and cheering. Tell him I want him to go to see Miss Francis Galt (I
think her smile will awake some sweet music in him), and be careful to
take precautions against the return of the chills, on the 7th, 14th, and
21st days.... I want very much to have you all with me again, and
miss you dreadfully. I hope another month will accomplish it. In
the meantime, you must get very well. This is a beautiful spot
by nature--man has done but little for it. Love to all. Most
affectionately,
“Your father,
“R. E. Lee.”
About the first week of November we all went by canal-boat to “Bremo,”
some twenty-five miles up the James River, where we remained the guests
of Doctor and Mrs. Charles Cocke until we went to Lexington. My sister
Agnes, while there, was invited to Richmond to assist at the wedding of
a very dear friend, Miss Sally Warwick. She wrote my father asking his
advice and approval, and received this reply, so characteristic of his
playful, humorous mood:
“Lexington, Virginia, November 16, 1865.
“My Precious Little Agnes: I have just received your letter of the 13th
and hasten to reply. It is very hard for you to apply to me to advise
you to go away from me. You know how much I want to see you, and how
important you are to me. But in order to help you to make up your mind,
if it will promote your pleasure and Sally’s happiness, I will say
go. You may inform Sally from me, however, that no preparations are
necessary, and if they were no one could help her. She has just got
to wade through it as if it was an attack of measles or anything
else--naturally. As she would not marry Custis, she may marry whom she
chooses. I shall wish her every happiness, just the same, for she knows
nobody loves her as much as I do. I do not think, upon reflection, she
will consider it right to refuse my son and take away my daughter. She
need not tell me whom she is going to marry. I suppose it is some cross
old widower, with a dozen children. She will not be satisfied at her
sacrifice with less, and I should think that would be cross sufficient.
I hope ‘Life’ is not going to desert us too, and when are we to see
you?... I have received your mother’s letter announcing her arrival at
‘Bremo.’... Tell your mother, however, to come when she chooses and when
most to her comfort and convenience. She can come to the hotel where I
am, and stay until the house is ready. There is no difficulty in that,
and she can be very comfortable. My rooms are up on the 3d floor and her
meals can be sent to her. Tell Rob the chills will soon leave him now.
Mrs. Cocke will cure him. Give much love to your mamma, Mildred, Rob,
and all at ‘Bremo.’
“Your affectionate father,
“R. E. Lee.
“Miss Agnes Lee.”
Colonel Ellis, President of the James River and Kanawha Canal Company,
placed at my mother’s disposal his private boat, which enabled her to
reach “Bremo” with great ease and comfort, and when she was ready to go
to Lexington the same boat was again given her. It was well fitted up
with sleeping accommodations, carried a cook, and had a dining-room. It
corresponded to the private car of the present railroad magnate, and,
though not so sumptuous, was more roomy and comfortable. When provisions
became scarce we purchased fresh supplies from any farm-house near the
canal-bank, tied up at night, and made about four miles an hour during
the day. It was slow but sure, and no mode of travel, even at the
present day, could have suited my mother better. She was a great invalid
from rheumatism, and had to be lifted whenever she moved. When put in
her wheel-chair, she could propel herself on a level floor, or could
move about her room very slowly and with great difficulty on her
crutches, but she was always bright, sunny-tempered, and uncomplaining,
constantly occupied with her books, letters, knitting, and painting, for
the last of which she had a great talent.
On November 20th my father writes to her from Lexington:
“I was very glad to hear, by your letter of the 11th, of your safe
arrival at ‘Bremo.’ I feel very grateful to Col. Ellis for his
thoughtful consideration in sending you in his boat, as you made the
journey in so much more comfort. It is indeed sad to be removed from our
kind friends at ‘Oakland,’ who seemed never to tire of contributing to
our convenience and pleasure, and who even continue their kindness
at this distance. Just as the room which I had selected for you was
finished, I received the accompanying note from Mrs. Cocke, to which
I responded and thanked her in your name, placing the room at her
disposal. The paint is hardly dry yet, but will be ready this week,
to receive the furniture if completed. I know no more about it than
is contained in her note. I was also informed, last night, that a very
handsome piano had been set up in the house, brought from Baltimore by
the maker as a present from his firm or some friends. I have not seen
it or the maker. This is an article of furniture that we might well
dispense with under present circumstances, though I am equally obliged
to those whose generosity prompted its bestowal. Tell Mildred I shall
now insist on her resuming her music, and, in addition to her other
labours, she must practise SEVEN hours a day on the piano, until she
becomes sufficiently proficient to play agreeably to herself and others,
and promptly and gracefully, whenever invited. I think we should enjoy
all the amenities of life that are within our reach, and which have been
provided for us by our Heavenly Father.... I am sorry Rob has a return
of his chills, but he will soon lose them now. Ask Miss Mary to disperse
them. She is very active and energetic; they cannot stand before her....
I hope Agnes has received my letter, and that she has made up her mind
to come up to her papa. Tell her there are plenty of weddings here,
if she likes those things. There is to be one Tuesday--Miss Mamie
Williamson to Captain Eoff. Beverley Turner is to be married the same
night, to Miss Rose Skinker, and sweet Margaret will also leave us. If
they go at three a night, there will soon be none of our acquaintances
left. I told Agnes to tell you to come up whenever most convenient to
you. If the house is habitable I will take you there. If not, will bring
you to the hotel.... I wish I could take advantage of this fine weather
to perform the journey....”