y of character never deserted him. His placid,
well-balanced, well-poised equanimity always sustained him.

It would be extravagant to say he inherited the commanding abilities of
his illustrious father, but it would be entirely within the line of a
just criticism to affirm that he did inherit many of the highest
characteristics and qualities of that great man. In personal demeanor,
in that suave, gracious, considerate, self-respecting, and respectful
bearing which give assurance of the perfect gentleman he very much
resembled his father. He was always approachable and cordial, and yet I
doubt if any man ever attempted an improper liberty or ventured undue
familiarity with him. His high character and affability of manner
protected him against such relations.

In the late civil war we served side by side in the same cavalry corps
in the same army almost continuously from the beginning to the end. I
therefore had the best opportunities of forming a correct estimate of
him as a soldier and man, and it is within the bounds of just judgment
to place him among the most distinguished in that brilliant array of
American soldiers and men of that eventful period.

I recall with vivid recollection my first association with him at
Ashland, Va., in June, 1861, where he was stationed as a young captain
of cavalry at a school of instruction. Thence he rose by regular
gradations to major-general of division, resigning his sword with that
rank.

Gen. LEE never aspired to be what is sometimes called a "dashing"
soldier. He was quite content with the serious, earnest, steady
performance of his duties. It would be no compliment to say that a son
of Robert E. Lee and grandson of "Light-Horse" Harry Lee had courage.
Such a quality is a necessary ingredient of such a man's character. But
his courage was not of that frothy, noisy kind so often paraded to
attract attention. In battle he was as steady, firm, and immovable as
any soldier who ever wielded a sword or placed a squadron in the field.
In his relations to his subordinates he was the perfection of military
propriety, always considerate and kindly, but firm and impartial in the
enforcement of discipline.

Towards his equals and superiors in rank he bore himself with a knightly
chivalry that at once commanded respect and confidence. How could he
have been otherwise, descended from such a noble sire, with such an
example of courtly dignity and untarnished manhood?

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