riting of his young staff officer in glowing terms. One
such incident is typical.

Lee had undertaken alone an all-night exploration of a desolate, lava
tract called the Pedregal, which had been shunned by scouts and
troopers alike. It was treacherous country, difficult to traverse, and
possibly infested by the enemy. General Scott writes: "I had
despatched several staff officers who had, within the space of two
hours, returned and reported to me that each had found it impracticable
to penetrate far into the Pedregal during the dark. . . . Captain Lee,
having passed over the difficult ground by daylight, found it just
possible to return to San Augustin in the dark, the greatest feat of
physical and moral courage performed by any individual, in my
knowledge, pending the campaign."

Another General, P. F. Smith, also bears tribute to this and other such
feats: "I wish partially to record my admiration of the conduct of
Captain Lee, of the Engineers. His reconnaissances, though pushed far
beyond the bounds of prudence, were conducted with so much skill that
their fruits were of the utmost value--the soundness of his judgment
and personal daring being equally conspicuous."

At Vera Cruz Lee had the pleasure of meeting his older brother, from
whom he had long been separated. This was Lieutenant Sydney Smith Lee,
who had entered the Navy before Robert went to West Point. Now for the
first time the brothers, sailor and soldier, fought side by side. But
it was with mixed feelings that Robert Lee passed through this
experience. He was brave enough on his own account, but he constantly
trembled for Sydney! He had placed a battery in position to reduce the
town, and thus describes the ensuing action:

"The first day this battery opened Smith served one of the guns. I had
constructed the battery, and was there to direct its fire. No matter
where I turned, my eyes reverted to him, and I stood by his gun
whenever I was not wanted elsewhere. Oh! I felt awfully, and am at a
loss what I should have done had he been cut down before me. I thank
God that he was saved. He preserved his usual cheerfulness, and I
could see his white teeth through all the smoke and din of the fire."

When the soldiers moved inland, after capturing Vera Cruz, the sailors
were left behind, and Lee had to bid his brother farewell.

The records of the six months' campaign in Mexico contain many
references to Lee's skill and bravery. He was t