Letters to Mrs. Lee from Richmond and Savannah--From Brandon--Agnes
Lee’s account of her father’s greetings from old friends and old
soldiers--Wilmington and Norfolk do him honour--Visits to Fitzhugh and
Robert in their homes
It is to be regretted that so little was written by my father while on
this trip. In the letters extant he scarcely refers to his reception by
the people at different points visited. His daughter Agnes tells more,
and we can imagine how tenderly and joyfully he was greeted by his old
soldiers, their wives, children and friends. He was very unwilling to be
made a hero anywhere, and most reluctant to show himself to the crowds
assembled at every station along his route, pressing to catch sight of
him.
“Why should they care to see me?” he would say, when urged to appear on
the platform of the train; “I am only a poor old Confederate!”
This feeling, natural to him, was probably intensified at that time by
the state of his health. On Sunday he writes to my mother of his trip to
Richmond and of his stay there:
“Richmond, Virginia, March 29, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I reached here Friday afternoon, and had a more
comfortable journey than I expected. The night aboard the packet
was very trying, but I survived it, and the dust of the railroad the
following day. Yesterday the doctors, Huston, McCaw, and Cunningham,
examined me for two hours, and I believe, contemplate returning to-day.
They say they will make up their opinion and communicate it to Doctor
Barton, who will write me what to do. In the meantime they desire me
to continue his prescriptions. I think I feel better than when I left
Lexington, certainly stronger, but am a little feverish. Whether it is
produced by the journey, or the toddies that Agnes administers, I do
not know. I have not been able to see anybody, nor was I able to get the
groceries yesterday. Agnes thinks you will have enough to last till I
get back here, when I will select them and send them up. Should you want
any particular article, write to Messrs. Bacon & Lewis for it. I saw,
yesterday morning, Mr. John Stewart and Miss Mary [Miss Mary Stewart, of
“Brook Hill,” afterward Mrs. Thomas Pinckney, of South Carolina.], who
had called to see Agnes but found she was out. Miss Mary looked very
sweet, and inquired about you all. Agnes rode out there yesterday
afternoon and saw all the family. I am told all our friends here are
well. Many of my northern friends have done me the honour to call on me.
Among them ‘Brick Pomeroy.’ The like to see all that is going on. Agnes
has gone to church with Colonel Corley. I was afraid to go. The day
is unfavourable, and I should see so many of my old friends, to whom I
would like to speak, that it might be injurious to me. I was in hopes
that Fitzhugh might make his appearance yesterday, when we should have
learned all about those below, but he did not. I hear that they are all
well, however. I expect to continue our journey to-morrow, if nothing
prevents, though I have not yet got the information I desire about
the routes. Still, I will get on. I will leave to Agnes to tell about
herself. Love to all, Truly, R. E. Lee.”
The next letter that I find is written from Savannah:
“Savannah, Georgia, April 2, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I reached here yesterday evening and have borne the
journey much better than I expected. I think I am stronger than when I
left Lexington, but otherwise can discover no difference. I have had a
tedious journey upon the whole, and have more than ever regretted that I
undertook it. However, I have enjoyed meeting many friends, and the old
soldiers have greeted me very cordially. My visit to dear Annie’s grave
was mournful, yet soothing to my feelings, and I was glad to have the
opportunity of thanking the kind friends for their care of her while
living and their attention to her since her death. I saw most of the
ladies of the committee who undertook the preparation of the monument
and the inclosure of the cemetery, and was very kindly received by all
the citizens of Warrenton, and, indeed, at all the towns through which
we passed. Yesterday, several gentlemen from Savannah met the train
in which we came from Augusta--General Lawton, Mr. Andrew Lowe, Mr.
Hodgson, etc., etc. I found they had arranged among themselves about my
sojourn, so I yielded at once, and, after depositing Agnes at General
Lawton’s, I came off to Mr. Lowe’s, where I am now domiciled. His house
is partially dismantled and he is keeping house alone, so I have a very
quiet time. This morning I took a short drive around the city with Agnes
and Miss Lawton, and on returning called on Mrs. Elliot, who has her two
widowed daughters living with, Mrs. Elliot and Mrs. Habersham. I also
went to see Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Gilmer, and Mrs. Owen, and then returned
to the Lowes’, where I find he has invited some gentlemen to meet me at
dinner--General Joe Johnston, General Lawton, General Gilmer, Colonel
Corley, etc. Colonel Corley has stuck to me all the journey, and now
talks of going to New Orleans. The weather to-day is rather cool and
raw, with an easterly wind, and if it continues I will go on to Florida
next week. The woods are filled with flowers, yellow jasmine covering
all the trees, etc., and fresh vegetables everywhere. I must leave Agnes
to give you all the details. The writing-desk is placed in a dark corner
in this handsome house, prepared for younger eyes than mine, and I can
hardly see what I write. All friends inquire after you, Custis, Mary,
and Mildred. Give my love to all, and believe me,
“Most truly, R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
The Colonel Corley mentioned in the above letters had been on General
Lee’s staff, as chief quartermaster, from the time he assumed command of
the Army of Northern Virginia until the surrender. His voluntary service
as escort on this trip, so delicately offered and performed, was highly
appreciated by his old commander. A letter from his daughter to her
mother, written the next day tells many particulars of their journey,
but still leaves much to be desired:
“Savannah, Georgia, April 3, 1870.
“...I hardly know where to commence, I have so little time to write. We
left Richmond Monday, 2 P. M. We reached Warrenton at ten o’clock and
were taken to their house by Mr. and Mrs. White, who met us at the
depot. The next morning papa and I drove with Captain White’s horses
to the cemetery. Mrs. White gave me a quantity of beautiful white
hyacinths, which she said were for you, too, and I had brought some grey
moss that Kitty Stiles had given me. This I twined on the base of the
monument. The flowers looked very pure and beautiful. The place is
just as it is in Mr. Hope’s picture (which I have). It was a great
satisfaction to be there again. We did not go to the springs, a mile
off. Returning, we stopped at Mr. Joe Jones’s (old Mr. J----‘s son).
They insisted on our taking dinner. He has eleven children, I think,
and there were numberless others there. They loaded me with flowers, the
garden full of hyacinths and early spring flowers. Mrs. Jones is a very
nice lady, one of those who were foremost in erecting the monument. We
then stopped at the farm of the Jones’s, who were at the springs when
we were there in the autumn of 1862, and Mrs. J---- knew me at once, and
asked affectionately after you. Saw Patty and Emma--all the
daughters married except Patty and the youngest. Mr. J---- is very
infirm--eighty-three years old. That evening a number of persons came
to see us, Mrs. Alston and Miss Brownlow, two others of the committee
of ladies. Every one was very kind. Indeed, I wish you could travel with
papa, to see the affection and feeling shown toward him everywhere. We
spent that night in the sleeping-car, very handsome and comfortable, but
the novelty, I suppose, made us wakeful. At Raleigh and another place
the people crowded to the depot and called ‘Lee! Lee!’ and cheered
vociferously, but we were locked up and ‘mum.’ Everywhere along the road
where meals were provided the landlords invited us in, and when we would
not get out, sent coffee and lunches. Even soldiers on the train sent in
fruit, and I think we were expected to die of eating. At Charlotte and
Salisbury there were other crowds and bands. Colonel Corley joined us
at C., having asked to go to Savannah with us. The train stopped fifteen
minutes at Columbia. Colonel Alexander Haskell took charge of the crowd,
which in spite of the pouring rain, stood there till we left. General E.
Porter Alexander was there, and was very hearty in his inquiries after
all of us. His little girl was lifted into the car. Namesakes appeared
on the way, of all sizes. Old ladies stretched their heads into the
windows at way-stations, and then drew back and said ‘He is mightily
like his pictures.’ We reached Augusta Wednesday night. The mayor and
council met us, having heard a few minutes before that papa was on
the train. We were whirled off to the hotel, and papa decided to spend
Thursday there. They had a reception the whole of the morning. Crowds
came. Wounded soldiers, servants, and working-men even. The sweetest
little children--namesakes--dressed to their eyes, with bouquets of
japonica--or tiny cards in their little fat hands--with their names.
Robert Burwell, of Clarke, who married Miss Clayton there; Randall,
author of ‘My Maryland’; General McLaws, Wright, Gardner, and many
others. Saw the Misses Boggs, General B----‘s sisters. Miss Rebecca
knew Mrs. Kirkpatrick very well, and asked after her. Miss Russell, with
whose father and sisters we had been at the White Sulphur, helped us to
receive. She is very tall and handsome, and was superb in a white lace
shawl, a moire-antique with a train. The Branch brothers rather took
possession of me. Melville, who was at the Institute [Virginia Military
Institute, Lexington, Virginia] and knew the Letchers very well, drove
me in and around town--at the rate of a mile a minute. Another brother
took me to the ‘Skating Rink’ at night...a serenade that night. At some
point on the way here Generals Lawton and Gilmer, Mr. Andrew Lowe,
and others, got on the cars with us. Flowers were given us at various
places. I so much enjoyed the evidences of spring all along our
route--more and more advanced as we proceeded. The jasmine, though
passing away, was still in sufficient abundance, in some places, to
perfume the air. The dark marshes were rich in tall magnolia trees,
beautiful red buds, and other red blossoms I did not know. The jasmine
and the trees hanging with gray moss--perfectly weird-looking--have
been the least luxuriant places in the interim. Savannah is green with
live-oaks--and filled with trees and shrubbery. I wish you could see a
large marble table in the parlour, where I am writing, with a pyramid of
jasmine in the centre and four large plates full at the corners, almost
covering the square, all sent me Saturday. The Lawtons are as kind as
possible, wanted papa to stay here, but Mr. Andrew Lowe had arranged to
take him to his house at bed-time. So he lost the benefit of a serenade
from two bands, alternating, which we enjoyed--General Lawton telling
the crowd General Lee had retired from fatigue. Papa has borne the
journey and the crowds far better than I thought he would and seems
stronger. (Monday.) It seems impossible to finish this--I inclose some
scraps which will tell our story. Crowds of persons have been coming
to see me ever since I came. Saw Mrs. General Johnston--Nannie
Hutchenson--of course, and Reverend and Mrs. Moore yesterday. They left
to-day.... Colonel Corley has taken Corinne [Corinne Lawton] and me on
a beautiful drive this morning to ‘Bonaventure,’ which is to be a
cemetery, and to several places in its vicinity. I never saw anything
more impressive and beautiful than the avenues of live-oaks, literally
covered with long gray moss, arching over the roads. Tell Messrs. Owen
and Minis I have seen their families, who are very kind to us. General
and Mrs. Gilmer asked especially after Custis.... We think of going to
Florida in a few days. Haven’t heard from you.
“Agnes.”
This is the only letter from his daughter Agnes, written at this
time, that can be found. My father, in his letters to his family, left
“details” and “particulars” for her to describe, and doubtless she did
so. Unfortunately, there is but this single letter.
On April 17th, he writes again from Savannah to my mother:
“My Dear Mary: I have received your letter of the Wednesday after
our departure and am glad to hear that you are well and getting on
so comfortably. The destruction of the bridge is really a loss to the
community, and I fear will inconvenience Mildred in her return. However,
the spring is now advancing and they ought to be able to get up the new
bridge. I hope I am a little better. I seem to be stronger and to walk
with less difficulty, but it may be owing to the better streets of
Savannah. I presume if any change takes place it will be gradual and
slow. Please say to Doctor Barton that I have received his letter and
am obliged to him for his kind advice. I shall begin to-day with his new
prescriptions and will follow them strictly. To-morrow I expect to go
to Florida, and will stop first at Amelia Island. The visitors to that
region are coming out, saying the weather is uncomfortably hot. If I
find it so, I shall return. Savannah has become very pleasant within the
last few days, and I dare say I shall do as well here as elsewhere. The
spring, however, is backward. I believe I told you that I was staying
with Mr. Andrew Lowe, who is very kind, and where I am very comfortable.
I am going to be separated from Agnes, and have received invitations
from several of the inhabitants where we could be united. But it is
awkward to change. Agnes has been sick, too, since her arrival, which
has made me the more anxious to be with her. You know she is like her
papa--always wanting something. She is, however, better to-day, as I
learn, though I have not seen her yet. I saw her twice yesterday. She
was better then and came down to Mrs. Lawton’s room, so I hope she will
be well enough to go with me to Amelia Island. The Messrs. Mackay got
down from Etowa last evening, both looking very well, and have reopened
their old house in Broughton Street, which I am glad of. I have see Mrs.
Doctor Elliot and family, the Andersons, Gordons, etc., etc., and all
my former acquaintances and many new ones. I do not think travelling in
this way procures me much quiet and repose. I wish I were back.... Give
my love to her [his daughter Mary] and to Custis, and tell the latter
I hope that he will be able to keep Sam in the seeds he may require.
Praying a merciful God to guard and direct you all, I am,
“Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.
“P. S.--I received a letter from F----: all well.
“R. E. L.” Sam was the gardener and man-of-all-work at Lexington. My
father took great interest in his garden and always had a fine one.
Still, in Savannah, he again writes to his wife acknowledging the
letters forwarded to him and commenting on the steps being taken:
“Savannah, Georgia, April 11, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I received yesterday your letters of the 3d and 6th,
inclosing Reverend Mr. Brantley’s and daughter’s and Cassius Lee’s. I
forwarded the petition to the President, accompanying the latter, to
Cassius, and asked him to give it to Mr. Smith. Hearing, while passing
through Richmond, of the decision of the Supreme Court referred to,
I sent word to Mr. Smith that if he thought the time and occasion
propitious for taking steps for the recovery of Arlington, the Mill,
etc., to do so, but to act quietly and discreetly. I presume the
petition sent you for signature was the consequence. I do not know
whether this is a propitious time or not, and should rather have had an
opportunity to consult friends, but am unable to do so. Tell Custis that
I wish that he would act for me, through you or others, for it is mainly
on his account that I desire the restitution of the property. I see that
a resolution has been introduced in Congress ‘to perfect the title of
the Government to Arlington and other National Cemeteries,’ which I
have been apprehensive of stirring, so I suppose the matter will come up
anyhow. I did not sign the petition, for I did not think it necessary,
and believed the more I was kept out of sight the better. We must hope
for the best, speak as little and act as discreetly as possible.
“The reverend Dr. Brantley was invited by the faculty of the college to
deliver the baccalaureate sermon next June, and I invited him and his
daughter, in the event of his accepting, to stay with us. Do you know
whether he has accepted? I should have gone to Florida last Friday as
proposed, but Agnes was not well enough. She took cold on the journey or
on her first arrival, and has been quite sick, but is better now. I have
not seen her this morning, but if she is sufficiently recovered we will
leave here to-morrow. I have received a message saying that she was
much better. As regards myself, my general health is pretty good. I feel
stronger than when I came. The warm weather has also dispelled some
of the rheumatic pains in my back, but I perceive no change in the
stricture in my chest. If I attempt to walk beyond a very slow gait,
the pain is always there. It is all true what the doctors say about its
being aggravated by any fresh cold, but how to avoid taking cold is the
question. It seems with me to be impossible. Everything and anything
seems to give me one. I meet with much kindness and consideration, but
fear that nothing will relieve my complaint, which is fixed and old. I
must bear it. I hope that you will not give over your trip to the ‘White
House,’ if you still desire to make it. I shall commence my return above
the last of April, stopping at some points, and will be a few days
in Richmond, and the ‘White House’ if able. I must leave to Agnes all
details. Give much love to Custis, Mary, and Mildred. Tell the latter I
have received her letters. Remember me to all friends.
“Most sincerely yours, R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
After visiting Cumberland Island and going up to the St. John’s River
as far as Palatka, and spending the night at Colonel Cole’s place near
there, they returned to Savannah. Colonel Cole was on General Lee’s
staff as chief commissary during the time he commanded the Army of
Northern Virginia, and was a very dear friend of us all:
“Savannah, Georgia, April 18, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: I have received your letter of the 13th, and am glad
to learn that you propose visiting the ‘White House,’ as I feared my
journey might prevent you. I am, however, very anxious on the
subject, as I apprehend the trip will be irksome and may produce great
inconvenience and pain. I hope you received my letter of the 11th,
written just before my departure for Florida. In case you did not, I
will state that I forwarded your petition to Cassius Lee as received,
not thinking my signature necessary or advantageous. I will send the
money received from the ‘University Publishing Company’ to Carter, for
whom I intend it [This was the money that came to General Lee from
his new edition of his father’s “Memoirs of the War in the Southern
Department of the United States.”]. I returned from Florida Saturday,
16th, having had a very pleasant trip as far as Palatka on the St.
John’s. We visited Comberland Island, and Agnes decorated my father’s
grave with beautiful fresh flowers. I presume it is the last time
I shall be able to pay to it my tribute of respect. The cemetery is
unharmed and the grave is in good order, though the house of Dungeness
has been burned and the island devastated. Mr. Nightingale, the present
proprietor, accompanied me from Brunswick. Mr. Andrew Lowe was so kind
as to go with us the whole way, thinking Agnes and I were unable to take
care of ourselves. Agnes seemed to enjoy the trip very much, and has
improved in health. I shall leave to her all details. We spent a night
at Colonel Cole’s, a beautiful place near Palatka, and ate oranges from
the trees. We passed some other beautiful places on the river, but could
not stop at any but Jacksonville, where we remained from 4 P. M. to 3
A. M. next morning, rode over the town, etc., and were hospitably
entertained by Colonel Sanderson. The climate was delightful, the fish
inviting and abundant. We have returned to our old quarters, Agnes to
the Lawtons’ and I to the Lowe’s. We shall remain here this week, and
will probably spend a few days in Charleston and Norfolk, if we go that
way, and at ‘Brandon’ and ‘Shirley’ before going to the ‘White House,’
where we shall hope to meet you. I know of no certain place where a
letter will catch me before I reach Richmond, where the doctors desire
me to spend a few days that they may again examine me. Write me there
whether Fitzhugh is too full to receive us. It will depend upon my
feelings, weather, etc., whether I make the digression by Norfolk. Poor
little Agnes has had, I fear, but little enjoyment so far, and I wish
her to have all the pleasure she can gather on the route. She is still
weak and seems to suffer constantly from the neuralgia. I hope I am
better, I know that I am stronger, but I still have the pain in my
chest whenever I walk. I have felt it also occasionally of late when
quiescent, but not badly, which is new. To-day Doctors Arnold and Reed,
of this city, examined me for about an hour. They concur in the opinion
of the other physicians, and think it pretty certain that my trouble
arises from some adhesion of the parts, not from injury of the lungs and
heart, but that the pericardium may not be implicated, and the adhesion
may be between the pleura and ----, I have forgotten the name. Their
visit was at the urgent entreaty of friends, which I could not well
resist, and perhaps their opinion is not fully matured. I am continuing
the prescriptions of Doctors Barton and Madison. My rheumatic pains,
either from the effects of the medicine or the climate, or both, have
diminished, but the pain along the breast bone ever returns on my making
any exertion. I am glad Mildred has returned so well. I hope that she
will continue so. After perusal, send this letter to one of the children
to whom you may be writing, that Doctors Barton, etc., may be informed
how I am getting along, as I have been unable to write to them or to
any one at Lexington. I have so many letters to write in answer to kind
invitations, etc., and so many interruptions, that my time is consumed.
Besides, writing is irksome to me. Give my love to Fitzhugh, Tabb, and
Robert and to Custis, Mary, and Mildred when you write. Agnes said
she was going out to return some of her numerous visits to-day, and I
presume will not be able to write. She has had but little comfort in her
clothes. Her silk dress was spoiled on the way, and she returned it to
Baltimore, but has learned that they can do nothing with it, so she will
have to do without it, which I presume she can do. I hope you may reach
the ‘White House’ comfortably. I will apprise you of my movements from
time to time. I hope my godson will know you. Tell him I have numbers
of his namesakes since I left Virginia, of whom I was not aware. I hope
they will come to good.
“With great affection,
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
From the following letters--all that I can find relating to this part
of the journey--it appears that the travellers started for Virginia,
stopping at Charleston, Wilmington, and Norfolk. Of their visit to
Charleston I can find no record. He and Agnes stayed at the beautiful
home of Mr. Bennet, who had two sons at the college, and a lovely
daughter, Mary Bennet. I remember Agnes telling me of the beautiful
flowers and other attentions lavished upon them.
At Wilmington they spent a day with Mr. and Mrs. Davis. His coming there
was known only to a few persons, as its announcement was by a private
telegram from Savannah, but quite a number of ladies and gentlemen
secured a small train and went out on the Southern Road to meet him.
When they met the regular passenger-train from Savannah, General Lee
was taken from it to the private one and welcomed by his many friends.
He seemed bright and cheerful and conversed with all. He spoke of his
health not being good, and on this account begged that there would be no
public demonstration on his arrival, nor during his stay at Wilmington.
On reaching that place, he accompanied Mr. George Davis [Attorney
General in Mr. Davis’s cabinet] to his house and was his guest during
his sojourn in the city.
Mrs. Davis was a Miss Fairfax, daughter of Dr. O. Fairfax, of
Alexandria, Virginia. They had been and were very old and dear friends
and neighbours. The next morning my father walked out and called on
Bishop Atkinson, with whom he had been well acquainted when they both
lived in Baltimore, some twelve years before, the one as rector of St.
Peter’s (Episcopal) church, the other as Captain of the United States
Engineers, in charge of the harbour defenses of the city.
There was a dinner given to my father that day at Mr. Davis’s home, and
a number of gentlemen were present. He was looking very well, but in
conversation said that he realised there was some trouble with his
heart, which he was satisfied was incurable.
The next day, May 1st, he left for Norfolk, Virginia, where Dr. and Mrs.
Selden were the kind entertainers of his daughter and himself. Agnes
told me that in going and returning from church the street was lined
with people who stood, hats off, in silent deference. From Norfolk they
visited “Lower” and “Upper Brandon” on the James River, the homes of the
Harrisons; then “Shirley,” higher up the river. Then they proceeded by
way of Richmond to the “White House,” my mother having arrived there
from Lexington a short time previously. The General wrote from “Brandon”
to his wife:
“‘Brandon’, May 7, 1870.
“My Dear Mary: We have reached this point on our journey. Mrs. Harrison
and Miss Belle are well and very kind, and I have been up to see Mr.
William Harrison and Mr. George and their families. The former is much
better than I expected to find him, and I hope will recover his health
as the spring advances. The ladies are all well, and Miss Gulie is very
handsome. Agnes and I went over to see Warrenton Carter and his wife
this morning. They are both very well, and everything around them looks
comfortable and flourishing. They have a nice home, and, as far as I
could see, everything is prospering. Their little boy was asleep, but we
were invited in to see him. He is a true Carter. Mrs. Page, the daughter
of General Richardson, is here on a visit, and Mrs. Murdock, wife of
their former pastor, arrived this morning. We are to go up to Mr. George
Harrison’s this evening, where the children are to have some tableaux,
and where we are expected to spend the evening. In Norfolk we saw all
our friends, but I did not succeed in getting out to Richard Page’s as
I desired, on account of the heavy rain on the appointed day and
engagements that interfered on others. Agnes and Mrs. Selden rode out,
however, and saw all the family. Everybody inquired kindly after you,
down to Bryan, and all sent their love. ‘Brandon’ is looking very
beautiful, and it is refreshing to look at the river. The garden is
filled with flowers and abounds in roses. The yellow jasmine is still
in bloom and perfumes the atmosphere. I have not heard from you or from
Lexington since I left Savannah. I hope all are well. I am better, I
trust; am getting fat and big, but am still rigid and painful in my
back. On Tuesday night I expect to go to ‘Shirley,’ and on Thursday,
12th inst., to Richmond, and on Friday to the ‘White House,’ unless I
hear that you are crowded, in which case I will submit myself to the
doctors for two or three days, as they desire, and then go down. Agnes
now says she will accompany me to the ‘White House,’ so that I shall
necessarily pass through Richmond, as our baggage renders that route
necessary. Therefore, unless something unforeseen prevents, I shall be
with you on Friday next. All unite in love. Agnes, I hope, is better
than when she left Lexington, but is not strong. You must give a great
deal of love to Fitzhugh, Tabb, my grandson Robert, and all with you.
“Most truly and affectionately,
“R. E. Lee.
“P. S. --Monday. Your note of the 6th with Colonel Allen’s letter has
just been received. I am very sorry to hear of Tabb’s sickness. I hope
that she will be well by the time of my arrival. I shall be glad to see
Markie.
“R. E. Lee.
“Mrs. R. E. Lee.”
On the same date, he writes to his daughter Mildred at Lexington:
“‘Brandon,’ May 7, 1870.
“My Dear Daughter: Miss Jennie is putting up her mail and says that my
letter must go with it, so I have but a few minutes to inform you
that we have reached this point on our way home. We stayed a day in
Wilmington with the Davises after leaving Charleston, and several with
the Seldens in Norfolk, and shall on Tuesday next go up to ‘Shirley,’
and then to the ‘White House.’ Agnes threatens to abandon me at
‘Shirley,’ and I wish that you were there to take her place. I am
better, I hope, certainly am stronger and have less pain, but am far
from comfortable, and have little ability to move or do anything, though
am growing large and fat. Perhaps that is the cause. All here are well
and send love. Miss Belle very sweet; all very kind. I rode yesterday to
the other ‘Brandons,’ and saw all the inhabitants. Captain Shirley spent
the day here. Mr. Wm. Harrison much better, and Miss Gulie very pretty.
They have some visitors. It is quiet and delightful here, the river is
beautiful. Agnes will write when she finds ‘time,’ which is a scarce
commodity with her. I had intended to write before breakfast, the
longest portion of the day, but walked out and forgot it. We have little
time after breakfast. Give much love to Mary and Custis. I hope that you
are all well and comfortable. I was very glad to receive your letter the
morning I left Savannah, and I hope that ‘Mrs. Smith’ and Traveller are
enjoying themselves. I hope to get back to Lexington about the 24th, but
will write. After paying my visit to the ‘White House’ I will have to
spend some days in Richmond and at the doctors’ request, as they wish
to examine me again and more thoroughly. I hope all are well at the
college. Remember me to all there and in Lexington.
“With affectionate love, Your father,
“R. E. Lee.
“Miss Mildred Lee.”
The “White House,” my brother’s home at that time, is on the Pamunkey
River, about twenty-five miles north of “Shirley.” From my father’s
letter it is evident he had thought of driving over, instead of going
by boat and rail through Richmond. This plan was abandoned when his
daughter determined to accompany him, as a lady’s baggage, even in those
days, was too voluminous for private conveyance. Mr. Wm. Harrison lived
at “Upper Brandon” and Mr. George Harrison at “Middle Brandon.” The
mistress of “Lower Brandon,” the old historic home, was Mrs. Isabella
Ritchie Harrison, widow of the late George Harrison. Miss Jennie,
referred to in the above letter, was Miss Virginia Ritchie, sister of
Mrs. Harrison. She had succeeded in having a post-office established
at “Lower Brandon” and herself made postmistress. This was done for
the convenience of the “Brandons” and the immediate neighbourhood. The
proceeds Miss Jennie gave to the “Brandon” church.
Of his visit to “Shirley,” his mother’s home when she was a girl, and
where she was married to “Light Horse Harry,” I can find no account
written at the time. It is a few hours from “Brandon” to “Shirley” by
steamer on the beautiful James, and they arrived there Tuesday, May
10th, and left the following Thursday by steamer for Richmond. So says
the “Home Journal” kept at “Shirley.” All the country came to see him,
and there was a large party to dinner. One of the daughters of the
house, then a young girl, says:
“I can only remember the great dignity and kindness of General Lee’s
bearing, how lovely he was to all of us girls, that he gave us his
photographs and write his name on them. He liked to have us tickle his
hands, but when Cousin Agnes came to sit by him that seemed to be her
privilege. We regarded him with the greatest veneration. We had heard of
God, but here was General Lee!”
My mother was now at the “White House.” I will here introduce portions
of a letter of the 9th and 13th of May from her to her daughter in
Lexington, telling of my father’s arrival on the 12th:
“‘White House,’ May 9, 1870.
“Fitzhugh took us on a delightful drive this morning, dear Mildred, to
Tunstall’s, where we got your letter, and Markie got nine, including
yours, so we were much gratified with our excursion. The road was fine,
with the exception of a few mud-holes, and the woods lovely with wild
flowers and dogwood blossoms and with all the fragrance of early spring,
the dark holly and pine intermingling with the delicate leaves
just brought out by the genial season, daisies, wild violets, and
heart’s-ease. I have not seen so many wild flowers since I left
Arlington....
“Thirteenth.--I determined, after commencing this, to wait and see your
papa, who arrived last evening with Agnes. He looks fatter, but I do not
like his complexion, and he seems still stiff. I have not yet had time
to hear much of their tour, except a grand dinner given them at Mr.
Benet’s. Your papa sends his love, and says he will be in Lexington
somewhere about the 24th....
“There is no news. The country becomes more lovely each day. The locust
trees are in full bloom, and the polonia, the only tree left of all that
were planted by poor Charlotte and myself. How all our labours have come
to naught. The General has just come in. Robbie is riding on his knee,
sitting as grave as a judge. He says now ‘Markie,’ ‘Agnes,’ and many
other words, and calls me ‘Bonne Mama.’ We expect Rob this morning....
“Yours affectionately,
“M. C. Lee.”
At this time my father was persuaded to make me a visit. He had been
invited before, when at different times he had been to the “White
House,” but something had hitherto always prevented his coming; now
he decided to come. My “Romancoke” farm was situated in King William
County, on the opposite side of the Pamunkey River, and some fifteen
miles east of “White House.” We arrived there in the afternoon, having
come down by the steamer, which at that time ran from “White House”
to Baltimore. “Romancoke” had been always a dependency of the “White
House,” and was managed by an overseer who was subordinate to the
manager on the latter estate. There was on it only a small house, of the
size usual in our country for that character of property. I had taken
possession in 1866, and was preparing to build a more comfortable
residence, but in the meantime I lived in the house which had been
occupied by the different overseers for about seventy-five years. Its
accommodations were very limited, simple, and it was much out of repair.
Owing to the settling of the underpinning in the centre, it had assumed
a “sway-backed” outline, which gave it the name of the “broken-back
house.” No repairs had been attempted, as I was preparing to build a new
home.
My father, always dignified and self-contained, rarely gave any evidence
of being astonished or startled. His self-control was great and his
emotions were not on the surface, but when he entered and looked around
my bachelor quarters he appeared really much shocked. As I was much
better off in the matter of housekeeping than I had been for four years,
I flattered myself that I was doing very well. I can appreciate fully
now what he must have felt at the time. However, he soon rallied and
concealed his dismay by making kindly fun of my surroundings. The next
day at dinner he felt obliged to remark on my china, knives, and forks,
and suggested that I might at least better my holdings in that line.
When he got back to Richmond he sent me a full set of plated forks and
spoons, which I have been using from that day to this. He walked and
drove over the farm, discussed my plans for improvement, and was much
interested in all my work, advising me about the site of my new house,
new barns, ice-house, etc. He evidently enjoyed his visit, for the quiet
and the rest were very refreshing.
About thirty miles, as the crow flies, from my place, down York River,
is situated, in Gloucester County, “White Marsh,” an old Virginia home
which then belonged to Dr. Prosser Tabb, who with his wife and children
was living there. Mrs. Tabb was a near cousin of my father, and as a
little girl had been a pet and favourite. His affection and regard for
her had lasted from his early manhood. He had seen but little of her
since the war, and when “Cousin Rebecca,” as we called her, learned
he was to be at the “White House,” she wrote begging him to pay her a
visit. This he had agreed to do if it was possible.
While at the “White House,” we had consulted together as to the best
method of accomplishing this trip, and we determined to make it from
“Romancoke.” So I drove him to West Point, and there got aboard the
Baltimore steamer, taking my horse and trap with us. At Cappahoosic, a
wharf on the York, we landed and drove the nine miles to “White Marsh,”
arriving at “supper time,” as we still say in Virginia--i.e., about 7:30
P. M.
When General Lee got off on the wharf, so great was the desire of the
passengers and crew to see him, that they all went to the side of the
boat, which caused her to list so that I was unable to get my horse out
through the gangway until the captain had ordered every one to the other
side. As the sun went down, it became chilly and I drove quite rapidly,
anxious to get my father out of the night air as soon as possible. He
said nothing at the time, nor did I know that he noticed my unusual
speed. But afterward he remarked on it to several persons, saying:
“I think Rob drives unnecessarily fast.”
We were expected, and were met at the door by all the family and guests.
A hearty welcome was given us. After supper he was the centre of the
circle in the drawing-room, and made the acquaintance of the children of
the house and of the friends and relatives of the family who were there.
He said little, but all listened eagerly to what he did say, and were
charmed with his pleasant smile and gracious manner. “Cousin Rebecca”
introduced him to her son-in-law, Captain Perrin, mentioning that he had
been wounded in the war and was still lame from the effects. The General
replied that at any rate he was all right now, for he had a pair of
strong young feet to wait upon him, indicating his young wife.
As was customary in this section of Virginia, the house was full of
visitors, and I shared my father’s room and bed. Though many a year had
passed since we had been bedfellows, he told me that he remembered well
the time when, as a little fellow, I had begged for this privilege. The
next day he walked about the beautiful gardens, and was driven over the
plantation and shown the landscapes and water views of the immediate
neighborhood. Mr. Graves, Dr. Tabb’s overseer, who had the honour of
being his coachman, fully appreciated it, and was delighted when my
father praised his management. He had been a soldier under the General,
and had stoutly carried his musket to Appomatox, where he surrendered
it. When told of this by Dr. Tabb, my father took occasion to compliment
him on his steadfast endurance and courage, but Graves simply and
sincerely replied,
“Yes, General, I stuck to the army, but if you had in your entire
command a greater coward than I was, you ought to have had him shot.”
My father, who was greatly amused at his candour, spoke of it when
he got back from his drive saying “that sort of a coward makes a good
soldier.”
That the drive had fatigued him was quite apparent to Cousin Rebecca,
who begged him to go and lie down to rest, but he declined, though,
finally, at her request, he consented to take a glass of wine. Mrs. Tabb
was anxious to give a general reception that day in his honour, so that
all the old soldiers in the country could have an opportunity of shaking
hands with him, but at the General’s request the idea was abandoned.
Several persons were invited to meet him at dinner, among them the Rev.
Mr. Phillips, an Englishman, the rector of Abingdon, an old Colonial
church in the country. He and his wife were ardent admirers of General
lee, and had often expressed a great desire to see him, so Mrs. Tabb
kindly gave them this opportunity. They were charmed with him, and,
writing to their friends in England, declared:
“The greatest event in our lives has occurred--we have seen General
Lee.”
One of his young cousins, in talking with him, wondered what fate was
in store for “us poor Virginians.” The General replied with an earnest,
softened look:
“You can work for Virginia, to build her up again, to make her great
again. You can teach your children to love and cherish her.”
I was struck with the tenderness of his manner to all these cousins,
many of whom he had never seen before, and the real affection and
interest he manifested toward them. He seemed pleased and touched by
their love and kindness. I think he enjoyed this visit, but it was plain
that he was easily fatigued.
To catch our steamer the next morning, an early start was necessary.
Arrangements were made the night before, and all good-byes said, for
we had to leave the house about five o’clock. That night he was very
restless and wakeful, and remarked that it was generally so with him
whenever he had to get up at an unusual hour, as he was always uneasy
lest he might be late. However, we got off in full time--made the
connection with our steamer, and returned immediately to the “White
House.” I left the steamer at West Point to take my horse home, after
which I joined him at the former place.
After a short stay at the “White House,” he started for Lexington,
stopping over in Richmond for a few days. From there he writes to his
daughter Mildred in Lexington:
“Richmond, Virginia, May 23, 1870.
“My Precious Daughter: I came up from the ‘White House’ this morning
with Agnes, but she threatens to divorce herself from me, and we have
already separated. She is at Dr. Fairfax’s and I am at Mr. Mcfarland’s.
She promises, however, to see me occasionally, and if I can restore our
travelling relations even at costly sacrifice I shall be happy to take
her along with me. I find I shall be detained here too long to take the
Wednesday’s boat from Lynchburg, but, if not prevented by circumstances
now not foreseen, I shall take the Friday’s boat, so as to reach
Lexington SATURDAY morning, 28th inst. If Sam is well enough, and it
should be otherwise convenient, he could meet me with Lucy and the
carriage or with Traveller. If not, I will get a seat up in the omnibus.
Your mother proposes to leave in the boat for Bremo on the 1st proximo,
spend one week there, and then continue her journey to Lexington. Agnes
has not yet made up her mind whether she will go with me, her mother,
or remain for a while. I hope to find you well, though alone. I must
reserve all accounts till we meet, which I am very anxious should
take place as soon as practicable. I am improving, I think, in general
health, but cannot tell certainly as to the difficulty in my chest, as
I have been unable to test my progress. I had a pleasant visit to F----
and Robert, and enjoyed rest there, which I wanted. Love to Custis and
kind regards to all friends. I hope that I shall find all well and
doing well. All at the ‘White House’ send love. Poor Tabb is still sick.
Markie Williams is with your mother. Robert came up with us, but returns
this evening. I have seen Dr. Houston this morning, and I am to have a
great medicine talk to-morrow.
“Your devoted father,
“R. E. Lee.
“Miss Mildred Lee.”