Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 1., page 421

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[421] seduced from his allegiance to his flag by the dazzling offers of the Virginia conspirators. So early as the 14th of April, he was informed by the President of the Virginia Convention that that body would, on the nomination of Governor Letcher, appoint him commander of all the military and naval forces of the Commonwealth.¹ When, on the 17th, the usurpers, through violence and fraud, passed an ordinance of secession, he said, in the common phrase of the men of easy political virtue, “I must go with my State;” and, on the 20th, in a letter addressed to General Scott, from his beautiful seat of “Arlington House,” on Arlington Hights, opposite Washington and

Arlington House in 1860.²

Georgetown, he proffered the resignation of his commission in terms of well-feigned reluctance.³ He then hastened to Richmond, and offered his services to the enemies of his country. He was received by the Convention

April 22, 1861.

with profound respect, for he was the representative of one of the most distinguished families of the State, and brought to the conspirators an intimate knowledge of General Scott's plans, and the details of the forces of the National Government, with which he had been fully intrusted. Alexander H. Stephens, Lieutenant Maury of the National

1 Richmond Correspondence of the Charleston Mercury.

2 this view of Arlington House, the seat of the late George Washington Parke Custis, the adopted son of Washington, and father-in-law of Colonel Lee, was drawn by the author in 1860.

3 The following is a copy of Colonel Lee's letter to General Scott:--

Arlington House, April 20, 1861.
General:--Since my interview with you on the 18th inst., I have felt that I ought not longer to retain my commission in the Army. I therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It would have been presented at once, but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted all the best years of my life and all the ability I possessed.
During the whole of that time — more than a quarter of a century — I have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors and the most cordial friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been so much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration, and it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I shall carry to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, and your name and fame will always be dear to me.
Save in defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword. Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of your happiness and prosperity, and believe me, most truly yours,
R . E. Lee. Lieutenant-General Winfield Scott, Commanding, United States Army.

At that time, according to the correspondent of the Charleston Mercury, Lee knew that he was to be the General-in-chief of the Virginia forces, and had necessarily resolved to draw his sword not only in defense of his native State, but against the National Government, whenever the conspirators should order him to do so.

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Benson J. Lossing, Pictorial Field Book of the Civil War. Volume 1.

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April 22, 1861.