Page:Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs (Volume Two).djvu/93

Rh kind feelings toward the freedmen. They wish to see them get on in the world, and especially to take up some occupation for a living.”

He rejected the suggestion that there was anywhere within the State any combinations having in view, “the disturbance of the peace, or any improper or unlawful acts.” He characterized the negroes as “an amiable, social race, who look more to their present than to their future condition.”

In answer to the question whether the South would support the government in case of war with France or England, General Lee was distinctly reserved: “I cannot speak with any certainty on that point. I do not know how far they might be actuated by their feelings. I have nothing whatever to base an opinion upon. So far as I know they contemplate nothing of the kind now. What may happen in the future I cannot say.” He then added this remark: “Those people in Virginia with whom I associate express a hope that the country may not be led into war.”

In answer to the question whether in case of war some of the class known as secessionists might join the enemy, he said: “It is possible. It depends upon the feelings of the individual.” As to joining the enemy in case of war, he said, speaking for himself: “I have no disposition now to do it, and I never have had.”

As to an alliance during the war he said that he knew nothing of the policy of the Confederate government: “I had no hand or part in it,” was his remark. It was his opinion during the war that an alliance with a foreign country was desirable, and he had assumed that the authorities were of the same opinion. His ideas were those of General Grant, and he avoided responsibility for the measures of government on the civil side.

With kind feelings for the colored people of Virginia General Lee favored the substitution of a white class of