Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/356

 348 Southern Historical Society Papers.

ROBERT EDWARD LEE.

with the two dates,

Born January 19, 1807; Died October 12, 1870.

That is all, but it is enough ; all the rest may be left to the calm, eternal judgment of history.

LEE'S BIRTHDAY.

EMINENT MEN OF THE UNITED STATES SEND SENTIMENTS FOR THE DAY— MINISTERS, SOLDIERS, STATESMEN AND SCHOLARS EACH BRING AN OFFERING.

^* January ig, i8go, — The Birthday of Robert E. Lee.

" The Richmond State wishes to gather from leading citizens all over the United States a brief sentiment deemed appropriate to the occa- sion. You will very much oblige us by sending by return mail a contribution that you may deem suitable."

Such was the request sent out to a number of prominent men in various walks of life. Here are the answers :

GENERAL J. M. SCHOFIELD, COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES

ARMY.

I will say that it was the well-known character of the Southern sol- diers, of which that of General Robert E. Lee was the highest type» which made it possible for the Union army to regard the Confederates not as rebels to be ether punished or pardoned, but as honorable antagonists, worthy to become trusted friends when they had laid down their arms. Thus this high character became of inestimable value to the Southern people, and hence to the whole country.

J. M. SCHOFIELD.

Washington^ D. C,

ADMIRAL PORTER, OF THE NAVY.

No man should hesitate to bear testimony to the reputation of