E. Lee, in his "Recollections," speaks of his
father's love for animals. He once rescued a dog that was near
drowning in the "Narrows," and it became his devoted follower through
life. In a letter home he writes (one of many such references),
"Cannot you cure poor Spec? (his dog). Cheer him up! Take him to walk
with you--tell the children to cheer him up." We have already spoken
of his favorite horse, "Traveller." After the great War, during which
horse and rider were inseparable, Lee wrote a description and tribute
to his equine friend which must appeal to every true lover of horses.
Lee's two elder sons held true to the family traditions by both
entering West Point. Lee himself was presently sent there by the
government as Superintendent--just twenty-three years after he had
graduated. He served in this capacity for three years, then was given
an assignment to the cavalry, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. For
the next five years his duties took him into several states, chiefly in
the West and Southwest. It was an unsettled time on the Border, both
from the Mexicans at the South, and the Indians in the West, and
constant police duty was necessary. It was arduous and lacked the
thrill of a real campaign, but in any event, it kept Lee from growing
rusty as a soldier.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73