The next day he stopped at the house of his brother, Charles Carter Lee; but, when night came, left the house and slept in his old black wagon. He could not give up at once the habits of a soldier.
When, at last, the city of Richmond was in sight, he rode ahead with a few of his officers. A sad sight met his view. In the great fire of the 3d of April, a large part of the city had been burned, and, as he rode up Main street, he saw only masses of black ruins.
As he rode slowly, some of the people saw him, and at once the news flashed through the streets that General Lee had come.
The people ran to greet him, and showed by cheers and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs how much they loved him.
General Lee now went home and there again took up his duty. He had fought for the South, which had failed to gain the victory. He thought that it was now the duty of every good man to avoid hate and malice and do all that he could to build up the waste places of his dear land. He had been a soldier for forty years, and, for the first time since manhood, was in private life.
He now enjoyed the company of his wife and children, and as long as he kept his parole and the laws in force where he lived, was thought to be safe. There were, however, steps taken to try him for treason; but General Grant went to the President and told him that his honor was pledged for the safety of General Lee, and that he wished him to be let alone. So, General Grant’s request was granted and no trial took place.
After some months the Lee family left Richmond and went to live at the house of a friend in Powhatan county.
The spring and summer of 1865 was spent by our hero in taking the rest which he so much needed.
Rĕf′ugee′, one who leaves home for safety. Siēge, the act of besetting a fortified place. Hûrled, thrown. Gēnius, a great mind. Surrĕn′der, the act of yielding to another.