Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/120

 114 Southern Historical &ociety Papers.

A copy of the foregoing having been sent by its accomplished author (now Grand Commander of the Department of Virginia United Confederate Veterans, with rank of Major-General ) to Lord Wolse- ley, Commander-in-chief of the British Army, elicited the following response:

[Copy.]

(Seal of Commander-in-Chief.)

WAR OFFICE,

LONDON, S. W., loth April, 1900. Dear General Garnett:

I am much obliged for the newspaper containing a report of your recent speech upon the character and great military ability of General Robert E. Lee.

I have always placed him high amongst the world's few great men and still fewer great leaders of nations. But you had the privilege of serving under him and had so many more opportunities of judg- ing his worth as a strategist and as a tactician than any mere stu- dents of war can ever have, that what you say of him is specially valuable.

As a man, he will ever stand out in American history on the same level as Washington, the lofty minded national hero. As a great military genius he will be by future generations classed with the very few world-known leaders of armies who tower above humanity as leaders born of God to lead others.

The more one studies his private character as a Christian and as a patriot, the more lovable and estimable he stands out before us; the more we know of his history in public life, the more all men must admire his devotion to country and to duty. And when the scientific soldier, with map before him, analyzes his campaigns, he is struck with his highly cultivated military genius. With many thanks, believe me to be.

Very faithfully yours,

(Signed) WOLSELEY.

To General T. S. Garnett,

Richmond, Virginia.