Letters to Mildred Lee--To Robert--To Fitzhugh--Interviewed by Swinton,
historian of the Army of the Potomac--Improvement in grounds and
buildings of Washington College--Punctuality a prominent trait of its
President--A strong supporter of the Y.M.C.A.
My sister, after the Christmas holidays, went from “Ashby” to Baltimore,
Cousins George and Eleanor Goldsborough taking her with them to their
town house. I think my father always wanted his daughters with him. When
they were away he missed them, their love, care, and attention. The next
letter I find is to Mildred in Baltimore:
“Lexington, Virginia, January 27, 1867.
“My Precious Daughter: Your letter to your mother gave us the
satisfactory information of your continued good health, for I feared
that your long silence had been caused by indisposition of body, rather
than that due to writing. I hope you will not let so long an interval
between your letters occur again, for you know I am always longing to
hear from you, when I cannot see you, and a few lines, if only to say
you are well, will prevent unpleasant apprehensions. I am delighted
at your increased bodily dimensions, and your diminished drapery. One
hundred and twenty-eight avoirdupois is approximately a proper standard.
Seven more pounds will make you all right. But I fear before I see you
the unnatural life, which I fear you will lead in Baltimore, will reduce
you to skin and bone. Do not go out to many parties, preserve your
simple tastes and manners, and you will enjoy more pleasure. Plainness
and simplicity of dress, early hours, and rational amusements, I wish
you to practise. You must thank Cousins Eleanor and George for all their
kindness to you, and remember me to all friends. If you see your uncle
Marshall, present my kind regards to him, and my best wishes for his
health and happiness. I hope you will see Robert. I heart that he stayed
at Mr. Edward Dallam’s when in Baltimore, but do not know whether he
will return there from Lynwood. I was sorry to hear that you lost your
purse. Perhaps the finder was more in want than you are, and it may
be of service to him, and you can do without it. A little money is
sometimes useful. You must bear in mind that it will not be becoming
in a Virginia girl now to be fine or fashionable, and that gentility as
well as self-respect requires moderation in dress and gaiety. While
her people are suffering, she should practise self-denial and show her
sympathy in their affliction. We are all pretty well. Your poor mother
suffers more pain than usual during this inclement weather. Your sister
is devoted to the snow and ice, and Agnes is becoming a very good
housekeeper. She has received a letter from a gentleman, whose judgement
she respects, recommending her to acquire that useful knowledge, and
assuring her that it will not only promote domestic happiness, but will
add greatly to connubial bliss. This is a great encouragement to her.
Our young friends, the law students and cadets, all inquire after you
and wish for your return. You know that is my wish and hope, so whenever
you are ready to return you will know that I am waiting to receive you.
I will leave your mother and sisters to give you all domestic news. Tell
Annette I have been looking for her in every stage since her letter
last fall, and that I hope for her arrival daily. Nipper is well, and
endeavors, by stern gravity, to repress the frivolity of Baxter. All
unite in much love, and I am, as ever,
“Your father, R. E. Lee.
“Miss Mildred Lee.”
Just after the intermediate examinations, he writes to Mildred again:
“Lexington, Virginia, February 16, 1867.
“My Precious Daughter: I have wished to answer your letter of the 2d for
some days, but have not been able. The intermediate examinations which
were in progress when it arrived continued ten entire days, and since
their termination the necessary arrangements for the resumption of
studies, and the reorganisation of the classes, have occupied my time
not devoted to other pressing matters. The students generally passed
very creditable examinations. Many of your friends were distinguished.
The ordeal through which the higher classes passed was as severe as any
I ever witnessed. Colonel Johnston [William Preston Johnston, the son of
General Albert Sidney Johnston, who fell at Shiloh. He had recently been
elected to the chair of History and Literature at Washington College.]
has arrived and entered upon his duties. He is living at the hotel with
his wife and six sweet little children, being unable to procure a house,
and the college being too poor to build one for him. We have other
professors also houseless. Robert has returned to his ‘broken-back
cottage,’ though he confesses to having enjoyed great pleasure during
his visit to Baltimore. He dwells with delight upon his intercourse with
the Misses ----, whom he considers angels upon earth, without wings. His
account of them increases my desire to get them to Virginia. Miss ----
once promised me to have Fitzhugh. Tell her I will release her from her
engagement if she will take Rob. He was also much gratified at being
able to spend a week with you, and I am getting very anxious for your
return. The winter has passed, the snow and ice have disappeared, and
the birds have returned to their favourite resorts in the yard. We have,
however, a sea of mud around us, through which we have to plunge, but I
hope the pleasant air and sun now visiting us will soon dissipate it.
I am glad you are enjoying yourself among such kind friends, but do not
remain too long, as you may detain Cousins Eleanor and George from the
Eastern Shore. Markie has sent me a likeness of you on porcelain, from
the negative taken by the celebrated Plecker, which she carried with
her to Philadelphia. It is very good, but I prefer the original....
Everybody seems anxious for your return, and is surprised you can stay
so long from your papa. May God bless and keep you, my dear child, is
the constant prayer of
“Your devoted father, R. E. Lee.”
Before Mildred returned to Lexington she received one more letter from
my father, in which he advises her of the two routes to Lexington, and
tells her some college news:
“Lexington, Virginia, February 23, 1867.
“My Precious Daughter: Agnes wishes you to purchase some articles for
her, and your mother and sister may have some commissions, which I fear
will reduce your purse to an inconvenient collapse. I therefore send a
check for ---- dollars, which I hope will enable you to gratify their
wishes and serve as a reserve for your own wants. I hope you are well
and passing your time profitably as well as pleasantly. The cadets are
under the impression that you are at the Patapsco Institute, and will
expect to find you, on your return, more agreeable than ever. They are
labouring so industriously in mental culture that they believe every
one is similarly engaged. I went last evening to the celebration of the
anniversary of the Washington Society, and was much pleased with the
speeches. It was held in the Methodist church, which was filled
to overflowing. The institute and Ann Smith [Female Academy] were
represented. Your sisters were present, and as they were both absent
from breakfast this morning I fear so much learning made them sleepy.
They were also at a cadet hop on the 21st, and did not get home till
between two and three A. M. on the 22d. I suppose, therefore, they had
‘splendid times’ and very fresh society. We were somewhat surprised the
other morning at Mrs. Grady’s committing matrimony. I missed, at our
chapel exercises, Captain Grady and our acting chaplain, but did not
know at the time what prevented their attendance. I heard afterwards
that they had put the happy pair in the stage and sent them on their way
rejoicing. She is now Mrs. Richard Norris, and has gone to Baltimore. It
will be but fair now that Captain Grady should go to Baltimore and bring
us a young lady from there in return for his mother. If you see Miss
Armistead, ask her to be ready on short notice, as we are a people of
few words in this region, and proceed in all matters in a businesslike
way. Agnes, I suppose, has told you of all matters of gaiety and
fashion. She has, no doubt, too, kept you advised of the progress of
young Baxter and of the deeds of ‘Thomas the Nipper.’ They are both
flourishing, and are much admired.... The roads are so muddy that my
evening rides have been suspended, and I see nobody.... You must write
me when to expect you. The stage from Staunton now crosses during the
night, and, when the roads are favourable, arrives about two A. M. When
the roads are unfavourable, it gets in generally in time for an early
breakfast. The canal-boats have resumed their trips now, so you will
have a choice of routes from Richmond, if you conclude to go there. All
unite with me in much love, and I am, always,
“Your father, R. E. Lee.”
From Lexington I had gone to Baltimore for a short visit, and had spent
a week with Mildred at the home of our cousin, Mr. George Washington
Peter, near Ellicott City. Soon after getting back to my farm, I
received the following letter from my father, still trying to help me
along in my work:
“Lexington, Virginia, February 8, 1867.
“My Dear Son: I was very glad to learn from your letter of the 31st ult.
that you had enjoyed your visit to Baltimore, for I feared when you
left us that you might have a visit from your shaking enemy. I trust,
however, that he has now left you never to return. Still be prudent and
watch his approach closely. I hope you may be able to procure some good
mules in Richmond, as it is a matter of importance to your operations.
If you can get the lime delivered at ten cents, I do not know a more
economical application to your land. I believe you will be repaid by the
first crop, provided it acts as I think it will. Of this you must judge,
and I can only say that if you can accomplish it, and wish to try, I
can send you $300, and will send it by draft to you, or to any one in
Baltimore that you will designate, as soon as I hear from you. I
commend you for not wishing to go in debt, or to proceed faster in your
operations than prudence dictates. I think it economy to improve your
land, and to begin upon the system you prefer as soon as possible. It is
your only chance of success, so let me know. I have to write in haste,
as the examination is in progress, and I have to be present. George
and Robert both came up to-day in the subjects in which they are
respectively weakest, so give them your good wishes. I received
yesterday a letter from Mildred regretting your departure from
Baltimore, and expressing the pleasure she derived from having been with
you even a short week. I hope she will continue well and return to us
soon. We are all about as you left us. The weather has moderated and the
ice disappeared from the river, though the boats have not yet resumed
their trips. Mud predominates now instead of snow.... Wishing you all
happiness, I am, Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.
“Robert E. Lee, Jr.”
The Robert and George mentioned here were two of his nephews whom he
was educating at the college, the sons, respectively, of his brothers,
Sydney Smith Lee and Charles Carter Lee. They were members of his
household and were treated as his own family.
To my brother Fitzhugh he writes at this time the following, chiding him
for his extravagance in a Christmas gift, and asking for some data of
the movements of his command. It is full of good advice, encouragement,
and affection:
“Lexington, Virginia, February 26, 1867.
“My Dear Fitzhugh: You must not think because I write so seldom that
you are absent from my thoughts. I think of you constantly, and am every
revolving in my mind all that concerns you. I have an ardent desire
to see you re-established at your home and enjoying the pleasure of
prosperity around you. I know this cannot be accomplished at once, but
must come from continuous labour, economy, and industry, and be the
result of years of good management. We have now nothing to do but to
attend to our material interest which collectively will advance the
interests of the State, and to await events. The dominant party cannot
reign forever, and truth and justice will at last prevail. I hope I
shall be able to get down to see you and Rob during the next vacation.
I shall then have a more correct apprehension of existing circumstances,
and can follow your progress more satisfactorily. I was very much
obliged to you for the nice eye-glasses you sent me Xmas, and asked your
mother and the girls to thank you for them, which I hope they did. I
fear they are too nice for my present circumstances, and do not think
you ought to spend anything, except on your farm, until you get that in
a prosperous condition. We have all, now, to confine ourselves strictly
to our necessities.... While you are your own manager you can carry on
cultivation on a large scale with comparatively less expense than on
a small scale, and your profits will of course be greater. I would
commence a system of progressive improvement which would improve your
land and add steadily to your income. I have received, lately, from
Fitz Lee a narrative of the operations of his division of cavalry. I
requested Custis to write to you for a report of your operations during
the winter of 1863-4 down to April 18, 1865. How are you progressing
with it? I know the difficulties of making such a narrative at this
time; still, by correspondence with your officers, and by exerting
your own memory, much can be done, and it will help me greatly in my
undertaking. Make it as full as you can, embracing all circumstances
bearing on the campaigns affecting your operations and illustrating the
conduct of your division. I hope you will be able to get up to see
us this spring or summer. Select the time when you can best absent
yourself, that you may feel the freer and enjoy yourself the more....
I wish I were nearer to you all.... Your mother is about the same, busy
with her needle and her pen, and as cheerful as ever....
“Affectionately your father, R. E. Lee.
“General Wm. H. F. Lee.”
His desire for accounts from his officers of the movements of their
commands shows he still intended to attempt to write his campaigns with
the Army of Northern Virginia. Some months later he writes again to my
brother, and in it he alludes to the dark cloud of the “reconstruction”
days, hanging then over the South:
“Lexington, Virginia, June 8, 1867.
“My Dear Son: Your letter written on your birthday has been welcomed by
the whole family, and I assure you that we reciprocate your regrets at
the distance which separates us. Although the future is still dark, and
the prospects gloomy, I am confident that, if we all unite in doing our
duty, and earnestly work to extract what good we can out of the evil
that now hangs over our dear land, the time is not distant when the
angry cloud will be lifted from our horizon and the sun in his pristine
brightness again shine forth. I, therefore, can anticipate for you many
years of happiness and prosperity, and in my daily prayers to the God of
mercy and truth I invoke His choicest blessings upon you. May He gather
you under the shadow of His almighty wing, direct you in all your ways,
and give you peace and everlasting life. It would be most pleasant to my
feelings could I again, as you propose, gather you all around me, but I
fear that will not be in this world. Let us all so live that we may be
united in that world where there is no more separation, and where sorrow
and pain never come. I think after next year I will have done all the
good I can for the college, and I should then like, if peace is restored
to the country, to retire to some quiet spot, east of the mountains,
where I might prepare a home for your mother and sisters after my death,
and where I could earn my daily bread. We will talk of it when we meet.
This summer I wish to carry your mother to some of the mineral springs
where she might obtain some relief, but it is hard to know where that
can be found. She seems now to prefer White Sulphur, merely on
the ground, I believe, that she has never tried those waters, and,
therefore, they might be of service to her. If she makes up her mind to
go, I will endeavour to get her there with one of the girls, at least.
Mildred has returned to us, looking very well, and says she has had a
very pleasant tour among her friends, and has received a great deal of
kindness wherever she has been. She seems to be very contented now at
home. I think you did right to defer her visit to us until you had more
leisure. I am glad your prospects for a harvest are so good. Every one
must look to his material interests now, as labour is our only resource.
The completion of the railroad to the Pamunkey will be a great advantage
to you in getting to market what you make, and I hope you will put
everything to account. I hope Robert is doing well. Mary is in Staunton,
where she went a week since to attend Miss Stribling’s wedding.... Miss
Mary Stewart is staying with us, and I believe is to remain until July,
when her sister Belle is to join her. The examination of the students
has been progressing a week and will continue until the 20th. The young
men have, so far, done very well on the whole.... Mr. Swinton has paid
his visit. He seemed to be gentlemanly, but I derive no pleasure from my
interviews with book-makers. I have either to appear uncivil, or run the
risk of being dragged before the public.... I am,
“Always as ever, your father, R. E. Lee.
“General Wm. H. Fitzhugh Lee.”
The Pamunkey was the name of the river on which the White House, my
brother’s estate, was situated. The railroad from Richmond, torn up
during the war, had just been rebuilt to that point. Swinton was the
historian of the Federal Amy of the Potomac. He spent some days in
Lexington, and, I suppose, sought from my father information on points
connected with his history of the movements of General Grant’s army.
My father, as I have said before, commenced almost as soon as he became
the president of the college to improve the grounds, roads, walks,
fences, etc., and systematically kept up this work up to the time of his
death. The walks about the college grounds were in very bad condition,
and, in wet weather, often ankle-deep in mud. As a first step toward
improving them the president had a quantity of limestone broken up and
spread upon the roads and walks. The rough, jagged surface was most
uninviting, and horsemen and footmen naturally took to the grass. Seeing
Colonel T. L. Preston riding one day across the campus on his way to his
classes at the Virginia Military Institute, my father remarked:
“Ah, Colonel, I have depended upon you and your big sorrel to help
smooth down my walks!”
Another day, a student who was walking on the grass saw the General not
far away, and immediately stepped into the middle of the rocks, upon
which he manfully trudged along. A strange lady, going in the same
direction, followed in the student’s footsteps, and when the youth came
within speaking distance, my father, with a twinkle in his eye, thanked
him for setting so good an example, and added, “The ladies do not
generally take kindly to my walks.”
The buildings also were altered and renovated, so far as funds for
the purpose permitted. He urged the erection as soon as possible of a
chapel, which should be of dimensions suitable for the demands of the
college. There were other objects calling for a far greater outlay of
money than the resources of the college afforded, but he deemed this of
great importance, and succeeded in getting appropriations for it first.
He hastened the selection of the site and the drawing of the plans, the
completion of the work was much retarded owing to the want of funds,
but his interest in its erection never flagged. He gave it his personal
superintendence from first to last, visiting it often two or three times
a day. After it was dedicated, he always attended morning prayers and
all other religious exercises held there, unless prevented by sickness.
Whenever I was there on a visit I always went with him every morning to
chapel. He had a certain seat which he occupied, and you could have kept
your watch regulated by the time he entered the doors. As he thought
well of the young men who left his drawing-room by ten o’clock, so
he placed in a higher estimate those who attended chapel regularly,
especially if they got there in proper time. There was no regular
chaplain, but the ministers of the different denominations who had
churches in the village undertook, by turns, to perform a month’s
service. The hour was forty-five minutes past seven o’clock every
morning, except Sunday, during the session, save in the three winter
months, December, January, and February, when it was one hour later. He
was the earnest friend and strong support of the Young Men’s Christian
Association, and an annual contributor to its funds. Upon one occasion,
at least, he placed in its library a collection of suitable books,
which he had purchased with that intention. In his annual reports to the
trustees, he always made mention of the association, giving an account
of its operations and progress.