request, and begging that nothing be said about it. The clamour which
then arose followed him when he went to South Carolina, so that it
became necessary on his departure to write a letter to the Governor
of that State, telling him what manner of man he was. Yet, through
all this, with a magnanimity rarely equalled, he stood in silence,
without defending himself or allowing others to defend him, for he
was unwilling to offend any one who was wearing a sword and striking
blows for the Confederacy."

After returning to Richmond, my father resumed his position as advisor
and counsellor to Mr. Davis. From there he writes to my mother, who
had left the Hot Springs and gone on to "Shirley," on James River:

"Richmond, November 5, 1861.

"My Dear Mary: I received last night your letter of the 2d, and would
have answered it at once, but was detained with the Secretary till
after 11 P. M. I fear now I may miss the mail. Saturday evening I
tried to get down to you to spend Sunday, but could find no government
boat going down, and the passenger boats all go in the morning. I
then went to the stable and got out my horse, but it was near night
then and I was ignorant both of the road and distance and I gave it
up. I was obliged to be here Monday, and as it would have consumed
all Sunday to go and come, I have remained for better times. The
President said I could not go to-day, so I must see what can be done
to-morrow. I will come, however, wherever you are, either Shirley
or the White House, as soon as possible, and if not sooner, Saturday
at all events.... I am, as ever, Yours,

"R. E. Lee."