Heroic nature of Lee.
But I must hasten on to what I regard as the greatest exhibition of the heroic nature of
General Lee.
I have not time to speak of many incidents that came under my observation during the war illustrative of his character, and showing how he acquired his wonderful influence over the troops under his command.
I can best describe that influence by saying that such was the love and veneration of the men for him that they came to look upon the
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cause as
General Lee's cause, and they fought for it because they loved him. To them he represented cause, country, and all.
The wonderful influence of
Napoleon over his soldiers had for its foundation the love of military glory.
It appealed to no nobler sentiment.
It was as intense in wars of ambition as in war for the defense of the country.
Napoleon was the idol of his soldiers.
Lee was the idol of his men.
I will relate an incident to show how the men regarded
General Lee.
While the army was on the
Rapidan, in the winter of 1863-‘64, it became necessary, as was often the case, to put the men upon very short rations.
Their duty was hard, not only on the outposts during the winter, but in the construction of roads to facilitate communication between the different parts of the army.
One day
General Lee received a letter from a private soldier, whose name I do not now remember, informing him of the work that he had to do and that his rations were not sufficient to enable him to undergo the fatigue.
He said, however, that if it was absolutely necessary to put him upon such short allowance he would make the best of it, but that he and his comrades wanted to know if
General Lee was aware that his men were getting so little to eat, because if he was aware of it he was sure there must be some necessity for it.
General Lee did not reply directly to the letter, but issued a
general order, in which he informed the soldiers of his efforts in their behalf, and that their privation was beyond his means of present relief, but assured them that he was making every effort to procure sufficient supplies.
After that there was not a murmur in the army, and the hungry men went cheerfully to their hard work.
