Recollections and Letters | Page 4

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Chapter XI
The Idol of the South Photographs and autographs in demand--The General's interest in young people--His happy home life--Labours at Washington College-- He gains financial aid for it--Worsley's translation of Homer dedicated to him--Tributes from other English scholars . . . . . . 198
Chapter XII
Lee's Opinion upon the Late War His intention to write the history of his Virginia campaigns-- Called before a committee of Congress--Preaches patience and silence in the South--Shuns controversy and publicity--Corresponds with an Englishman, Herbert C. Saunders . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Chapter XIII
Family Affairs The General writes to his sons--To his wife at Rockbridge Baths-- He joins her there about once a week--Distinguised and undistinguished callers at his Lexington home--He advocates early hours--His fondness for animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Chapter XIV
An Ideal Father Letters to Mildred Lee--To Robert--To Fitzhugh--Interviewed by Swinton, historian of the Army of the Potomac--Improvement in grounds and buildings of Washington College--Punctuality a prominent trait of its President--A strong supporter of the Y.M.C.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Chapter XV
Mountain Rides An incident about "Traveller"--The General's love for children-- His friendship with Ex-President Davis--A ride with his daughter to the Peaks of Otter--Mildred Lee's narrative--Mrs. Lee at the White Sulphur Springs--The great attention paid her husband there--His idea of life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Chapter XVI
An Advisor of Young Men Lee's policy as college president--His advice on agricultural matters--His affection for his prospective daughter-in-law-- Fitzhugh's wedding--The General's ovation at Petersburg--his personal interest in the students under his care . . . . . . . . . 280
Chapter XVII
The Reconstruction Period The General believes in the enforcement of law and order--His moral influence in the college--Playful humour shown in his letters--His opinion of negro labour--Mr. Davis's trial--Letter to Mrs. Fitzhugh Lee--Intercourse with Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chapter XVIII
Mrs. R. E. Lee Goest to Warm Springs for rheumatism--Her daughter Mildred takes typhoid there--Removes to Hot Springs--Her husband's devotion-- Visit of Fitzhugh and bride to Lexington--Miss Jones, a would-be benefactor of Washington College--Fate of Washington relics belonging to Mrs. Lee's family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Chapter XIX
Lee's Letters to His Sons The building of Robert's house--The General as a railroad delegate--Lionised in Baltimore--Calls on President Grant--Visits Alexandria--Declines to be interviewed--Interested in his grandson--The Washington portraits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Chapter XX
The New Home in Lexington Numerous guests--Further sojourns at different Baths--Death of the General's brother, Smith Lee--Visits to "Ravensworth" and "The White House"--Meetings with interesting people at White Sulphur Springs--Death of Professor Preston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Chapter XXI
Failing Health The General declines lucrative positions in New York and Atlanta-- He suffers from an obstinate cold--Local gossip--He is advised to go South in the spring of 1870--Desires to visit his daughter Annie's grave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Chapter XXII
The Southern Trip Letters to Mrs. Lee from Richmond and Savannah--From Brandon-- Agnes Lee's account of her father's greetings from old friends and old soldiers--Wilmington and Norfolk do him honour--Visits to Fitzhugh and Robert in their homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Chapter XXIII
A Round of Visits Baltimore--Alexandria--A war-talk with Cousin Cassius Lee-- "Ravensworth"--Letter to Doctor Buckler declining invitation to Europe--To General Cooper--To Mrs. Lee from the Hot Springs--Tired of public places--Preference for country life . . . . . . . . . . 412
Chapter XXIV
Last Days Letter to his wife--To Mr. Tagart--Obituary notice in "Personal Reminiscences of General Robert E. Lee"--Mrs. Lee's account of his death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431
Chapter I
Services in the United States Army
Captain Lee, of the Engineers, a hero to his child--The family pets-- Home from the Mexican War--Three years in Baltimore--Superintendent of the West Point Military Academy--Lieutenant-Colonel of Second Cavalry--Supresses "John Brown Raid" at Harper's Ferry--Commands the Department of Taxes
The first vivid recollection I have of my father is his arrival at Arlington, after his return from the Mexican War.