“EDWIN M. STANTON,
“Secretary of War.”
SKETCH OF THE REBEL GENERAL LEE.
Robert E. Lee was born in Virginia about the year 1808. He entered West Point, where he received the usual military education. He graduated honorably in 1829, and received an appointment as Second Lieutenant of Engineers. For eighteen years he served in the army, drawing the usual pay from the government, and rising to the rank of Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of cavalry. In the Mexican war he was further honored by a brevet of Colonel, and on the appointment of Albert S. Johnston to the command of the Utah expedition Lee succeeded him in command of the Second cavalry. After filling this honorable and agreeable post in the military service of his country for several years, he was tempted with others, to desert his flag at the moment of his country’s sorest need. When the Richmond politicians passed their Ordinance of Secession, Robert E. Lee threw up his commission, and accepted the rank of General in the rebel army.
ROBERT E. LEE.
In Mexico, Lee had been Chief of General Scott’s Staff, and won high praise for his skill. It was a common remark in our army, before the war, that “Bob Lee” was the ablest strategist we had. His first performances in the rebel array did not increase his reputation; he was eclipsed for a time by both Beauregard and Johnston. After the latter was wounded, however, at Fair Oaks, Lee took the whole command of the rebel army in Virginia, and directed its operations during the seven days’ battles before Richmond. He likewise led the rebels into Maryland, and commanded them at Antietam, and subsequently at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and all the other battles incident to the closing campaign in Virginia.
ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
Night of April 14, 1865.
A glorious sunburst parted the clouds over Abraham Lincoln’s head just as he took the inauguration oath which made him President for a second term—and from that period his life was one series of cheering events. Was it a promise of redemption to the Nation, or the halo of martyrdom? The rebellion melted away like snow from that hour. Richmond was taken; Lee surrendered his grand army. The brave blood which had crimsoned the wilderness with a terrible rain, bore quick and glorious fruit all over the land. Lincoln was a good man. Even his enemies said this, when they found themselves a mere handful among millions that loved him for his honesty, his simple truthfulness, and that genuine patriotism which no man doubted and all men revered. Triumphant as a President, happy in the bosom of a family that adored him, blessed with an attached wife, a son of fine promise and faultless character, another son whom he loved with intense affection, and who returned it with all the touching ardor of early childhood, worshiped by many and respected by all, the 14th of April found him a happy and triumphant man.
A box had been taken that night for the President and a select party at Ford’s Theatre, a fashionable place of amusement in Washington, where Thomas Taylor’s comedy of Our American Cousin was to be performed by Miss Laura Keene and her company. A private box in the upper tier, on the right of the audience, had been all that season so frequently used by the President, that it was generally known as the “President’s box.” That evening it was richly draped for his reception. The Stars and Stripes glowed brightly above it, and easy chairs were placed for the President’s occupancy. It had been announced that General Grant would accompany the Presidential party and a brilliant audience had assembled, eager to greet the two most popular men of The Nation.