Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/119

 Iribuie to General It. /<;. Lee. 118

President I Xtvis dec lined gift after gift proffered in sincere sympathy for his misfortunes. Luuls, houses, salaries from big corporations, all were tendered him and refused.

And when the other day the noble old homesteads, first of Wade Hampton and then of John B. Gordon, were committed to the de- vouring flames, and all the priceless relics of their glorious past were turned into ashes, their loving comrades, out of pure brotherly feel- ing, urged each of them to let the veterans of this Lost Cause restore their homes, they steadily, firmly and affectionately declined the generous offer.

And what of our great commander ? Money in vast sums was offered him if he would fall down and worship at its shrine.

An immense salary was offered him if he would but let the three letters of his name be used by a huge corporation for the purposes of gain. Positions of honor and vast profit were his at a word. But he turned to the quiet chair of Washington College, and there, as its president, ended a life of purity, dignity and unsullied honor.

I.IKE LEADER LIKE MEN.

Like leader like men !

Unselfish always brave, cheerful under all adversities, the men we knew beside us in war are worthy of the tribute paid them by a Northern historian in an address before the Military Historical Society of Massachusetts. Brevet Brigadier-General Charles A. Whittier, United States Volunteers, spoke as follows :

"The Army of Northern Virginia will deservedly rank as the best army which has existed on this continent; suffering privations unknown to its opponents, it fought well from the early Peninsula days to the surrender of that small remnant at Appomattox. It seemed always ready, active, mobile; without doubt it was composed of the best men of the South rushing to what they considered the defence of their country against a bitter invader, and they took the places assigned them, officer and private, and fought until beaten by superiority of numbers. The North sent no such army to the field."

When time with relentless hand and unerring blade shall have cut down the last of the Men of Lee. the revolving years shall continue to bring round this auspicious birthday. God grant that our children, to the latest generation, may gather fresh hope for Liberty from the contemplation of his virtues, his great deeds, and his illustrious character.