Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/74

 68 Southern Historical Society Fc(2)ers.

hi.- avowed opposition to secession, his devoted attachment to the venerable Commander-in-Chiet" of the Federal Army, his edu.catiori at West Point, his life spent in the Federal service — all kindled hopes in the supporters of the Union that his services would not be wanting to their cause, and he was semi-officially advised that the chief command in the field of the Federal forces then being organ- ized was subject to his acceptance.

Eloquent lips have pictured the struggle which it cost Lee to resist this glittering temptation. And, indeed, viewed from the standpoint of mere personal interest and professional ambition, the alternative presented was "all the world to nothing." But my study of his character forbids me to believe that such consider- ations ever assumed the dignity of a temptation to him. Amongst the records of his written or spoken thoughts I find no evidence of even a mom.ent's hesitation in his choice. Duty, the guide and guardian of his life, never spoke to Lee in doubtful accents. Its voice was ever as clear as the trumpet's note, and by him was never heard but to be instantly obeyed.

With gracious mien he put aside all contrary solicitations, sur- rendered to the Union the unstained sword which he had worn so worthily, and parting from the friends and associations of his youth and manhood in sorrow, but not at all in anger, bent his steps to his mother, Virginia, and kneeling reverently at her feet received from her hand the chieftain's sword, and there, kissing its hilt, swore eternal fealty to her cause.

For this act he has been denounced as a deserter from his flag and a traitor to his country. For this act he went down to his grave a disfranchised citizen of a restored Union. For a like act there yet rests the stigma of disfranchisement upon a single man out of millions, the chivalric chieftain of the lost cause.

[To Mr. Davis. Venerable man ! while the smirking littlenesses of official life dciiy you the bauble of an unsought amnesty, that providence which, in the end, surely guides aright the ultimate judgments of mankind, is eloquent in your behalf to the awakening conscience of the American people. Malice and slander have ex- hausted their power against you. We congratulate you that the kindling splendors of that fame which will light up the centuries already illumine the declining years of a life which has illustrated the history of two nations by valor in battle, wisdom in council, eloquence in debate, temperance in triumph, and inexpugnable for-