NEAR CARTERSVILLE,
VIRGINIA, 28th August, 1865.
HON. JOHN LETCHER, Lexington, Va.
MY DEAR SIR: I was much pleased to hear of your return to
your home and to learn by your letter of the 2d of the kindness and
consideration with which you were treated during your arrest, and of the
sympathy extended to you by your former congressional associates and friends in
Washington. The conciliatory manner in which President Johnson spoke of the
South must have been particularly agreeable to one who has the interest of its
people so much at heart as yourself. I wish that spirit could become more
general. It would go far to promote confidence and to calm feelings which have
too long existed. The questions which for years were in dispute between the
State and General Governments, and which unhappily were not decided by the
dictates of reason, but referred to the decision of war, having been decided
against us, it is the part of wisdom to acquiesce in the result, and of candor
to recognize the fact.
The interests of the State are therefore the same as those
of the United States. Its prosperity will rise or fall with the welfare of the
country. The duty of its citizens, then, appears to me too plain to admit of
doubt. All should unite in honest efforts to obliterate the effects of war, and
to restore the blessings of peace. They should remain if possible in the
country; promote harmony and good feeling; qualify themselves to vote, and
elect to the State and general legislatures wise and patriotic men, who will
devote their abilities to the interests of the country and the healing of all
dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of
hostilities, and have endeavored to practice it myself. I am much obliged to
you for the interest you have expressed in my acceptance of the Presidency of
Washington College. If I believed I could be of advantage to the youth of the
country, I should not hesitate. I have stated to the committee of Trustees the
objections which exist in my opinion to my filling the position, and will yield
to their judgment. Please present me to Mrs. Letcher and your children, and
believe me
Most truly yours,
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 386-7
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