Page:Boissonnas, Un Vaincu, English, 1875.djvu/63



“GENERAL -- Since my interview with you on the 18th inst., I have felt that I ought not to retain my commission in the army. I therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It would have been presented at once but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted all the best years of my life, and all the ability I possessed.

“During the whole of that time, more than a quarter of a century, I have experienced nothing but kindness from my Superiors, and the most cordial friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration ; and it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I shall carry to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration ; and your name and fame will always be dear to me.

“Save in defence of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword… Your sincerely devoted, Robert E. Lee”

General Lee had still other ties to break than those which bound him to a career faithfully loved and accomplished with dignity -- the dearer, closer ties of family affections. The same day, he wrote to one of his sisters, established with her husband in one of the Northern states:

“ …I have been waiting for a ‘more convenient season,’ which has brought to many before me deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war which will yield to nothing. The