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[61] written, in his characteristic chirography, ‘R. E. Lee, Lieutenant-Colonel United States Army.’ How he took this blessed book as the man of his counsel and the light of his pathway— how its precious promises cheered him amid the afflictions and trials of his eventful life—how its glorious hopes illumined for him ‘the dark valley and shadow of death,’ eternity alone will fully reveal.

And he always manifested the liveliest interest in giving to others the precious Bible. During the war he was an active promoter of Bible distribution among his soldiers, and soon after coming to Lexington he accepted the presidency of the Rockbridge Bible Society, and continued to discharge its duties up to the time of his death. I give his letter accepting this office:

Gentlemen: I have delayed replying to your letter informing me of having been elected President of the “Rockbridge Bible Society,” not for want of interest in the subject, but from an apprehension that I should not be able to perform the duties of the position in such manner as to advance the high object proposed. Having, however, been encouraged by your kind assurances, and being desirous of co-operating, in any way I can, in extending the inestimable knowledge of the priceless truths of the Bible, I accept the position assigned me.

With many thanks to the society for the high compliment paid me by their selection as their president, I am, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,


The following paper may be appropriately introduced here:

At the meeting of the Board of Managers of the Rockbridge County Bible Society, on the 12th inst., for the purpose of imparting to the organization greater efficiency—in addition to other important measures adopted and in substance since published— the undersigned were appointed a committee to prepare and publish a minute, expressing the deep sense which the managers and members of this Society have of the exalted worth of their last president, the illustrious General R. E. Lee; of the blessed


Richmond VA, 1887.

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