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
Virginia was at this time still under military rule. The “reconstruction” days were not over. My father had himself accepted the political situation after the war, and had advised every one who had sought his advice to do the same. The following incident and letters will show his acquiescence in the law of the land, and ready submission to the authorities. In a street disturbance that spring a student had been shot by a negro, and it was reported that, in case of the young man’s death, the murderer would be summarily dealt with by his college-mates. Captain Wagner, the military commissioner, wrote to General Lee informing him of these reports. He received the following reply:
“Washington College, Lexington, Virginia, May 4, 1868.
“Captain Wagner, Commissioner District, Lexington, Virginia.
“Sir: Upon investigation of the reports which you communicated to me yesterday afternoon, I can find no foundation for the apprehension that the students of Washington college contemplate any attack upon the man confined in jail for shooting Mr. —— Friday night. On the contrary, I have been assured by members of the faculty and individual students that they have heard no suggestion of the kind, and they believe that no such intention has been entertained or now exists. I think, therefore, the reports made to you are groundless.
“Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“R. E. Lee.”
However, in order to take all precautions and provide against any disturbance, he wrote as follows to the president of the Young Men’s Christian Association, whom he knew well and trusted, and who was a man of much influence with his fellow-students:
“Mr. G. B. Strickler,