Robert E. Lee Part 7

LEE--My name is not for sale. I thank you, sir. Good morning. (_Exit BROWN. Enter Judge Brockenborough._)

GEN. LEE--Good morning, Judge, what a pleasure to see an old friend!

JUDGE--Good morning, General, I should not have dared to call on so busy a man if I did not have a special mission. I have come to offer you the presidency of Was.h.i.+ngton College, at a salary of $1,500 a year. I am sorry we can offer no more, but the war has left the college in a wretched condition.

LEE--I am afraid because of my many enemies that my connection with the college would make its condition far more wretched.

JUDGE--No, General, the whole South loves and respects you, and if you will only accept this position you will make us the happiest of all colleges.

LEE--I would have much preferred that your choice had fallen upon an abler man. But if you really want me, I will be only too glad to come. I have led the young men of the South in battle. I have seen many of them die on the field. I shall try to devote my remaining energies to training young men to do their duty in life.