Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/217

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General Lee's Last Camp.

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which is owned by Mr. Louis D. Jones, and many of the Federal officers spent the night at Mr. Jones' house. General Nelson A. Miles was one of the officers in charge, and he made his men behave as they should. Meanwhile General R. E. Lee had taken another route leading toward Richmond, and passing through this village with only his personal attendant, he was recognized by a lovely lady, who went out and asked the privilege of shaking his hand. General Lee only went two miles further when, night coming on, he decided to camp in a piece of woods on the place then owned by a widow, Mrs. Martha Shepherd. When his tent was made and Mrs. Shepherd learned of the fact that this distinguished soldier was preparing to camp so near her, she sent an invitation for him to spend the night at her house, which was declined with thanks. This was the last camping ground of this distinguished commander and the legislature of Virginia should appropriate a suitable sum to erect a monument to mark the spot. A small stone has been prepared to mark this place, but it should be marked by a splendid shaft such as we have at this place.

W. W. Haskins.

The News Leader is informed that Mr. Haskins probably is mistaken. We are told that General Lee's last camp was in a grove nearly opposite the main gate of "Windsor," the home of his brother, Carter Lee, in Powhatan county, near Five Creek Mills, twenty-five miles from Richmond. It is further said that when he received pressing invitations to go to the house General Lee declined, saying he preferred to spend his last night before going home sleeping in a tent among his comrades.