Arlington House U.S. Department of the Interior The Robert E. Lee Memorial The Spectacle

From the Office Down the Hall Retiring from the Field

When Robert E. Lee resigned from the army in 1861, he left a 32-year career behind. A lot has been made of the reasons he resigned, the political impacts of his decision and most of all, the role he played in the South after his retirement. In fact, these things have so captured the stage of his life that the work and contributions of his previous three decades have faded almost wholly into the shadowed, flat background. But when Lee retired, who do you think knew the most about the foundations of Fortress Monroe? If not for Lee, Saint Louis might not be a river city today. And what about Chapultepec where, according to General Winfield Scott, Lee “performed the greatest feat of physical and moral courage performed by any individual in my knowledge…”?

There is a good reason Lee was being offered Arlington House command of the army before he resigned. In many ways he was at the peak of his career like jewels on black velvet. Fireflies wove a to the chagrin of her division chiefs—to gain not as he watched opposing friends square glittering pattern on the warm summer air friends for the park and protect Parkway off on the hills around Gettysburg, but rather and she said, “it is really beautiful—I had to resources. But it is her successes at Arlington on April 12, 1861 as he met with Scott in see it one last time.” Like Lee, Audrey fears House that really stand out for us. Not Washington. that she may never set foot on Arlington soil surprisingly, some of these more tangible again after she retires. achievements were also very subtle such as On October 29, 2005, George Washington saving 12 acres of Arlington House Memorial Parkway (GWMP) Superintendent Audrey has faced a number of challenges Woodlands when 24 were on the block. Audrey Calhoun will put on her uniform for during her career, both personal and However, as I sit in my relatively new office, the last time. Audrey plans to retire to professional. In particular, as she took the my personal favorite may have to be Audrey’s Louisiana. As a young seasonal, Audrey helm of GWMP, she was faced with role in the transition of Arlington House staff began her career in Yellowstone National organizing the long and thematically diverse from their cramped offices in historic Park 35 years ago, then was soon wearing Parkway—probably a task more akin to structures to a new and improved OAB, period dress as a permanent park ranger at herding cats. Yet the Long Range Interpretive opening up the slave quarters for exhibits in Arlington House. She has been Plan—the first to be completed in the the process. Superintendent at GWMP for 11 years. Last National Capital Region—will come off the month I stood beside her on the Portico printer this month, finally bringing the In a recent interview, Audrey said the most following a special evening program. It was various elements of the GWMP story into (continued on page 3) late and the city lay before Arlington House one book. Audrey worked tirelessly—much

Volunteers Monthly Newsletter - Volume VI, Number 10 - October 2005 History Happenings

Why We Do What We Do legislation. Although many changes have furnishing of the family parlor. To allow been made to adhere to the EL since that visitors to walk through the room, its Eighty years ago, after a long, and, at times, time, the process of restoring Arlington to appearance “immediately prior to the Civil bitter campaign, Congress passed legislation the “period immediately prior to the Civil War” would be significantly compromised. that authorized the restoration of Arlington War” continues. In recent years, the staff of House. Although a simple document, this Arlington has increased its efforts to remain • The EL stipulates that original furnishings resolution continues to provide guidance to faithful to the spirit and dictates of our should be acquired. After many years of the National Park Service in its role as enabling legislation. What exactly does this extremely diligent efforts, tentative funding caretaker of this important historic site. mean for us today? has been secured for the purchase of most of Throughout the , national parks the original objects in the house. The look to their enabling legislation (EL) when • Visitors often ask why we don’t have more acquisition of the furniture may happen as making management decisions. In the case portraits of Lee in the house. “Immediately early as next spring. of Arlington House, our EL delineates the prior to the Civil War” the mansion period to which the mansion should be contained only the West portrait of Lee. • Interpretation, which for many years failed restored and interpreted, how it should be Portraits were expensive, and during that to mention Lee at all, now places Robert E. furnished, and why the American people time the house served as a memorial to Lee at its center as specified in the EL. Yet thought the house should be restored and Washington, not Lee. the role and importance of the Custis period preserved for future generations. In modern is still alive and well in all of the site’s parlance, we would call the EL our mission • The possibility of allowing visitors to walk interpretive efforts. statement. through the family parlor has been (continued on page 3) considered. Of all the rooms in the mansion, During the early years, when the War the most evidence exists for the accurate Department was restoring and managing the house, the EL was blatantly ignored. After the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) was requested to assist with the furnishing of the mansion, a “change of plan” was decided upon. In direct violation of the enabling legislation, the War Department, largely at the insistence of CFA director Charles Moore, decided to furnish and interpret to “the first half of the republic.” This decision was based, in part, on the popularity of the Colonial Revival movement which was still popular in 1925. The mansion was restored to the period of GWP Custis, and no furniture manufactured after 1830 was accepted. Rooms that never existed, such as the “State Dining Room” were “restored.” This approach utterly negated Lee’s role and presence at Arlington. Even after the National Park Service assumed control of the mansion in 1933, the “Custis” interpretation continued for many years.

In 1955, Public Law 107 officially designated Arlington House as a permanent memorial to Robert E. Lee. Gradually the house was furnished and interpreted to the period of Robert E. Lee as specified in the original

2 The Spectacle From the Office Down the Evening Open House Hall (continued from page 1) The annual Evening Open House is set for As always, the Arlington House staff thanks th Friday, October 7 , 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The all volunteers who have agreed to volunteer important thing she accomplished during her theme of this year’s open house is “Music at for this special event for their time and tenure was the creation of the partnership at Arlington.” Rita Browder, baroque violinist, dedication. This event would not be possible Glen Echo Park, a feat that frees the National will play the George Washington Parke Custis without your generous assistance. Park Service staff from buildings and violin. The violin has recently been restored, schedules and allows them to focus on telling and was a gift to Custis from George If you would like to volunteer for the Open the Glen Echo Story—including the story of Washington, his step-grandfather. The House and you have not notified Delphine its racially charged past. With these things Federal City Brass Band will provide period please call so we can add you to the schedule. done, she soon plans to pack up her red music in the Flower Garden. The Men’s sports car and head south much as Lee did in Chorus from Mount Zion Baptist Church If you must cancel please notify Arlington 1861. She says she has a house on several acres will also perform. House immediately at (703) 235-1530. with a chair on the that is waiting for her in the Louisiana uplands. But who Invite your family and friends. Reservations knows, Lee made his biggest splash after he are required. Please call (703) 235-1530 to left his full and rich career. I think we may arrange for free tickets. Tours are at 7:30 pm, hear from her again. 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:00 pm. Kendell Thompson Volunteers should try to arrive by 6:30 pm. Site Manager All volunteers and staff must be dressed and Arlington House, in place by 7:00 pm. Please allow extra time The Robert E. Lee Memorial to dress, as needed. We will be dressing in the OAB (Old Administration Building) dressing rooms, conference room and attic. History Happenings (continued from page 2)

• The interpretation of the mansion’s rooms • The site brochure was recently rewritten to National Park Service is of critical importance. Immediately prior better convey the daily living conditions that U.S. Department of the Interior to the Civil War, the room south of the White Robert E. Lee experienced as a member of Parlor was converted to Mrs. Lee’s morning the household. Religion, a cornerstone of room, in part because of her restricted daily life at Arlington, is now mentioned for Arlington House was the home of Robert E. Lee mobility. After many years of serving as the the first time. The roles of women, children, and his family for thirty years and is uniquely false state dining room, the room was and slaves, who made up the majority of associated with the Washington and Custis families. It is now preserved as a memorial to eventually refurnished and reinterpreted as occupants, largely absent in the past, are now General Lee, who gained the respect of the morning room. Others rooms such as the discussed in the brochure. Americans in both the North and the South. play room and the winter kitchen are the Arlington House subject of further study to see if they reflect These are but a few examples of how the The Robert E. Lee Memorial an accurate appearance for our specified enabling legislation continues to guide c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway Turkey Run Park period. How likely is it that the slaves were management decisions at Arlington House. McLean, VA 22101 performing open hearth cooking in 1860? In the early 20th century, countless individuals, including Frances Parkinson Phone 703-235-1530 • The landscape is equally important in Keyes and Congressman Louis Cramton, interpreting the life of Robert E. Lee. valiantly fought to have Arlington House Web Site Consequently, the Save America’s Treasures restored. A century later, it remains to those http://www.nps.gov/arho grant was sought so that the quarters can be of who love Arlington and are responsible for The Spectacle online restored to their antebellum appearance. its care to be faithful to the vision and plan so http://www.nps.gov/arho/tour/spectacle.html Recently, increased efforts have been made eloquently set forth in our timeless enabling The National Park Service cares for the toward restoring the flower and kitchen legislation. special places saved by the American people gardens so that the entire site reflects the so that all may experience our heritage. specified time period called for in the EL. Karen Kinzey, Historian

The Spectacle 3 Area Special Events

October 1-2 Living history, Civil War encampment at National Historical Park in WV. Free with Living history encampment at Pitzer Woods Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC. Visit the admission. 304-535-6029 or www.nps.gov/ and demonstrations on Little Round Top, gardens and camp free. 9 am-5 pm Friday and hafe. Gettysburg National Park, PA Free. 717-338- Saturday; 1-5 pm Sunday. 9114 or www.nps.gov/gett. www.tryonpalace.org or 800-767-1560. Living history encampments at the Pennsylvania Memorial Pitzer Woods, Reenactment and living history weekend in October 8 Gettysburg National Park, PA. Free. 717-338- Stanardsville, VA, 20 miles north of 9114 or www.nps.gov/gett. Charlottesville off Route 29. Details: Tour, “Retreat from Gettysburg,” begins near www.greeneva.com or 434-985-6663. Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg PA, ends in Living history and ranger programs at Williamsport, Md. This is a “convoy tour” Drewry’s Bluff, part of the Richmond October 2 following the course of the Confederate National Battlefield Park (VA). 10 am-5 pm demonstrations at Fort Washington “wagon train of woe.” $35. Details: Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday. Free. 804-226- Park, MD, (I-495, exit 3A). 1, 2 and 3 pm. Free www.grace-under-fire.us. 1981 or www.nps.gov/rich. with park admission. 301-763-4600 or www.nps.gov/fowa. Lecture, “Yankee River, Rebel Shore: The October 9 Union Navy and Civil Insurrection Along the Preservation Bike Ride to benefit the Living history, “The Ship’s Company,” naval Potomac and Rappahanock Rivers,” at the Kernstown Battlefield Foundation (near demonstrations, displays and models at Fort USS Constellation in Baltimore’s Inner Winchester VA). Courses marked for 25- and Ward in Alexandria, VA. Noon-4 pm. Free. Harbor. 2 pm. Free with admission. 55-mile rides. Registration 9 am. Contact www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848. www.constellation.org. Larry Duncan at 540-662-1824 or email [email protected]. October 7-9 Bus tour, “Chancellorsville,” annual Friends Seminar, “The Image of War,” detailed of bus tour leaves from Fort Ward October 15 information on battlefield photography at in Alexandria VA at 7:45 am. $85. Deadline Living history walking tour, “Courage! The the Omni Hotel in Richmond, VA. Includes for reservations is Oct. 5. www.fortward.org Civil War in Washington,” explore the streets demonstrations, battlefield tours, slide shows or 703-838-4848. of the national capital with a “citizen.” Meets and more. $295. 301-528-2825 or email at Cosi Coffee, 10th and “E” NW in DC at 11 [email protected]. Tour, two-hour guided tour of part of the am. $10 adults. 301-588-9255 or Brandy Station battlefield. Begins 10 am at www.historicstrolls.com. Reenactment and living history at Laurel Hill the Graffiti House Visitor Center (just off (VA), birthplace of J.E.B. Stuart. Music, Route 29 north of Culpeper VA) at 10 am. $5. Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk civilian and military demonstrations, food, 540-547-4106 or over the Second Manassas Battlefield (VA). speakers and book signings. Battles at 1:30 www.brandystationfoundation.com. Begins at noon at the visitor center. Free with pm both Saturday and Sunday. Candlelight park fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. tour and evening skirmish Saturday. Camps Lantern Tours on the Hupp’s Hill battlefield open 10 am. Proceeds to benefit the in Strasburg VA. Tickets at the Stonewall October 15-16 Birthplace Trust. www.jebstuart.org. Jackson Museum at Hupp’s Hill. 7-9 pm. Symposium, “Great Controversies of the 540-465-5884 or www.waysideofva.com/ Civil War,” sponsored by Pamplin Historical North-South Skirmish Association’s stonewalljackson. Park south of Petersburg VA. Reservations, National Competition at Fort Shenandoah fee required. 877-PAMPLIN or near Winchester, VA. Live-fire competitions Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk www.pamplinpark.org featuring all variety of vintage weapons. Free. over the First Manassas Battlefield (VA). More info: www.n-ssa.org or 248-447-5909. Begins at noon at the visitor center. Free with Reenactment, annual event on the Cedar park fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. Creek Battlefield, south of Middletown VA. Conference, “The Generals and their Encampments, military and civilian Presidents,” in Middleburg, VA. Sponsored October 8-9 demonstrations and battles each day. More: by the Mosby Heritage Area. More info: Living history, “John Brown’s Legacy: www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org or 888-628- www.mosbyheritagearea.org or 540-687- Beyond the Gallows,” special military and 1864. 6681. civilian programs at the Harpers Ferry (continued on page 5)

4 The Spectacle Area Special Events (continued)

Living history, “John Brown Raid and military demonstrations. 866-515-1864 or River Battlefield State Park near Randolph Anniversary,” features portrayals of www.vmi.edu/newmarket. VA. 10 pm. Free. 434-454-4312 or Frederick Douglass and at www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org. the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Special event, “The Haunting of Liberia in WV. Free with admission. 304-535-6029 or Plantation,” part of the Manasssas (VA) Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk www.nps.gov/hafe. Museum System. Moonlight and lantern over the Second Manassas Battlefield (VA). tours of the grounds with strange tales Begins at noon at the visitor center. Free with Living history encampments at the thrown in. 5:30-9 pm. $15 advance/$20 at the park fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg National door. www.manassasmuseum.org or 703- Park (PA). Free. 717-338-9114 or 368-1873. Special program, “Ghost Stories around the www.nps.gov/gett. Campfire,” Lee Hall in Newport News VA. 7 Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk pm. $7. 757-888-3371 or www.leehall.org. Living history, “U.S. Sanitary Commission,” over the First Manassas Battlefield (VA). at the National Museum of Civil War Begins at noon at the visitor center. Free with October 29-30 Medicine in Frederick MD. 11 am-3 pm. Free park fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. Living history, “The Eyes of the Army: The with admission. 301-695-1864 or Factor,” special demonstrations and 1 www.civilwarmed.org. October 22-23 pm firing drills at the Harpers Ferry National Annual U.S. Sharpshooter’s Living history Historical Park (WV). Free with admission. October 21-22 weekend — programs at Pitzer Woods and 304-535-6029 or www.nps.gov/hafe. Civil War Ghost Walks, candlelight tours on Little Round Top. Also infantry living history the “battlefield” at Endview Plantation in encampments at the Pennsylvania Memorial Living history encampments at the Newport News VA. 7-10 pm. $7. 757-887-1862 and Spangler’s Spring, Gettysburg National Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg National or www.endview.org. Park, PA. Free. 717-338-9114 or www.nps.gov/ Park, PA. Free. 717-338-9114 or www.nps.gov/ gett. gett. October 21-23 Seminar and Tours, “The Irish and Germans October 23 Living history, “Signal Corps,” in the Civil War,” includes lectures, tours of demonstrations at the Antietam National Gettysburg, Antietam, some meals, music. Special tours, “Tales of the Spirits,” spooky Battlefiled (MD) at 1 pm each day. Free with Based in Chambersburg PA. Details: 717-264- stories at the Surratt House Museum in admission. 301-432-5124 or www.nps.gov/anti 7101 or email [email protected]. Clinton MD. Tours 5-9 pm. Special program 7:30 pm. First come, first served. Details: Special program, “Getting the Message October 22 www.surratt.org or 301-868-1121. Through,” Signal Corps activities with Tours, ranger-led, in-depth tours of the simultaneous demonstrations at Washington Monocacy battlefield at the Monocacy October 29 Monument State Park (South Mountain) National Battlefield near Frederick MD. Living history and special tours on the near Boonsboro MD and the Antietam Free. Details: 301-662-3515 or www.nps.gov/ Averasboro Battlefield near Dunn NC. Event National Battlefield. 1 pm both days. Free. mono. includes miltiary and civilian demonstrations 301-432-8065. and displays, battlefield and museum tours Tour, two-hour guided tour of part of the (which will include visits to the newly Living history, “The Battlefield Embalmer: Brandy Station battlefield. Begins 10 am at acquired William Smith Plantation House) Preserving the Civil War Dead,” at the the Graffiti House Visitor Center (just off and a Civil War Ghost Walk. 9 am-10:30 pm. National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Route 29 north of Culpeper VA) at 10 am. $5. Free, donations welcome. 910-891-5019 or Frederick MD. 11 am-3 pm. Free with 540-547-4106 or www.averasboro.com. admission. 301-695-1864 or www.brandystationfoundation.com. www.civilwarmed.org. Living history, “Haunted Cave Tours,” Walking tours and living history, “Spirits of includes Civil War at the Stonewall Jackson New Market,” scary living history lantern Museum at Hupp’s Hill in Strasburg VA. Fee tours of the New Market (VA) battlefield charged. 540-465-5884 or leave every half hour from the Hall of Valor www.waysideofva.com/stonewalljackson. Museum 7-8:30 pm. $10 adult/$5 children. Living history during the day with camp life Haunted Harvest Hayride at the Staunton

The Spectacle 5 Significant Historic Events in October

October, 1849 October 10, 1857 Sculptor Clark Mills worked at Arlington October 3, 1865 GWP Custis died at Arlington House. “For making plaster cast of the Houdon bas-relief General Lee urged General P.G. T. some time he had been failing steadily, and at of Washington owned by Mr. Custis. (Mills Beauregard to write a history of his Civil War last had been persuaded to go to bed— sculpted the equestrian statues of campaigns: Everyone should do all in his something he had hardly done in previous Washington in Washington Circle and power to collect and disseminate the truth in illnesses. When he realized that he would Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park.) the hope that it may find a place in history, not rally from the congestion of the lungs and descend to posterity.” that was dragging him down, he had gone Mrs. Lee and the children rejoined Colonel over his will and various business matters Lee in Baltimore after spending the summer October 5, 1861 with Mrs. Lee, then had slowly sunk into at Arlington. The slaves who usually Solders of the Second, Sixth, and Seventh unconsciousness. About midnight, October accompanied them were left at the home Wisconsin, and the Nineteenth Indiana 9, he had rallied enough to ask her to because “Lee thought it unwise to expose marched from Washington via the summon everyone to take leave of him while them to the influence of the abolitionists Georgetown Aqueduct to he know them, and after talking a little to then active in the city.” (today, part of Fort Myer) on the Arlington each one had asked to be remembered to his Estate. Joined by the 24th Michigan regiment, son-in-law, and to Custis Lee, who by this October, 1851 the unit became known as the Iron Brigade time was in California. Then he had asked GWP Custis was attempting to improve (of the West) after the Antietam campaign. It from Mr. Dana, their minister with whom he Arlington. New steps were built around the was the only all-western brigade in the Army took communion”—apparently for the first portico, hexagonal bricks were being fired in of the Potomac and became the most time. Washington for its floor, and a new roof was decorated unit in the . Its to be placed on the stable. Arlington Mill on most notable commander, General John “ ‘God have mercy on me in my last Four Mile Run was also being extensively Gibbon, a North Carolinian by birth, is moments,’ they heard him murmur about repaired. Mrs. Custis wrote her grandson, buried immediately to the east of the sunrise. ‘Lay me beside my blessed wife,’ he Custis Lee, “You will hardly know the old Arlington flower garden. whispered a little later. Feebly, he shook his place when you get back.” The soldiers, who had joined hundreds of head when the doctor tried to give him some the others already occupying Arlington brandy. ‘You know I never liked spirits,’ he October 1, 1808 estate, went into winter quarters, and said. About noon his harsh breathing had Mary Anna Randolph Custis was born at remained until March 10, 1862. “The soldiers suddenly ceased, as quietly and peacefully he “Annefield,” Clark County, , a felled trees and constructed their own camp passed away.” Fitzhuugh estate in the upper Shenandoah from the ground up, including officers’ Valley. “Annefield” was the home of a quarters, cookhouses, and stables. For The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Mr. cousin, Anne Meade Page, with whom Mrs. themselves they erected small log cabins Dana from the White Parlor on Tuesday, Custis was visiting. roofed with canvas, with mud chimneys and October 13. sheet-iron stoves.” October 2, 1865 Robert E Lee took the oath of the office as October 10, 1856 October 12, 1824 president of Washington College, Lexington, GWP Custis traveled to Philadelphia to The Marquis de Lafayette arrived in the Virginia. The unpretentious ceremony, attend the national exhibition held by the District of Columbia. He was greeted by an which began at 9 AM, was kept simple out of U.S. Agricultural Society. He was deeply official party which included GWP Custis, deference to Lee’s wishes. He signed his touched by the applause that accompanied and was escorted to the Capitol where Mr. name to the oath but said nothing during the his introduction at the grand dinner, the Custis had the Washington tents erected entire proceedings climax of the event. He reminded the under the Rotunda. audience of more than two thousand “of the On October 6, he wrote to a friend that he pride Washington had taken in being a October 12, 1870 had entered his duties “in the hope of being farmer,” and he urged them to remember that Robert E. Lee died at Lexington, Virginia. of some service; but I should prefer, as far as “ the liberty they now enjoyed had been won He had suffered a cerebral thrombosis on my predilections are concerned to be on a at such memorable places in their state as September 28 and had remained critically ill small farm, where I could make my daily Independence Hall and Valley Forge.” until his death. On October 11 he lapsed into bread.” (continued on page 7)

6 The Spectacle Significant Historic Events in October (continued)

“a half-delirium of dreams and memories… the 12th and Annie on the 20th.” October 18, 1859 Sometimes his voice was distinct. ‘’Tell Hill At 7 o’clock AM, when the light was he must come up,’ he said so plainly and October 15, 1891 sufficient for the Marine detachment to make empathetically that all who sat in the death- William Henry Fitzhugh “Rooney” Lee, 54, the assault, Lee and two thousand bystanders chamber understood him.” His last words died and was buried at Ravensworth, watched as J.E.B. Stuart read Lee’s terms of were, “Strike the tent!” Shortly after nine in Annandale, Fairfax County, Virginia. At the surrender to the raiders inside the engine the morning he passed away. time of his death Fitzhugh Lee was a United house. John Brown returned counter- States congressman from the Eight District proposals and the hostages added their October 13, 1857 of Virginia. appeals. (“One voice from within cried out The funeral service for GWP Custis was held in a very different tone, ‘Never mind us, fire!’ in the White Parlor. The immediate family October 16, 1824 The speaker was Lewis W. Washington, and the slaves were present. According to a The Marquis de Lafayette probably paid his grandnephew of the general. Lee, who knew local newspaper account, almost a thousand respects to Ann Lee, the widow of General him well, recognized his inflections and people attended the gravesite ceremony— Henry Lee, at her home in Alexandria. If remarked quietly, ‘The old revolutionary including a brass band the Washington Light Lafayette did visit the widow of his old blood does tell!’”). At Stuart’s signal the Infantry and veterans of the War of 1812. comrade in arms on this occasion, Robert E. marines attacked the engine house. The Services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Lee, 17, probably met him for the first time. assault was finished in three minutes. On Dana. [Freeman’s date is certainly incorrect, and his marine and one raider were killed, and John source may have confused Lafayette’s Brown was wounded by the marine That night Agnes Lee wrote, “Every one was December visit with an October parade lieutenant’s dress sword. None of the very kind, many, crowds—of the so called through the streets of Alexandria.] hostages was injured, although Lewis ‘great,; the obscure, soldiers, servants, all Washington “refused to come out until a pair drew near to pay this last tribute to one who October 16, 1837 of gloves were brought, so that his neighbors in life had been so kind. The morning was Robert E. Lee, concerned that his eldest son, might not see his soiled hands.” very bright but O it was a sad sad day.” Custis, now five years old, was being spoiled Lee placed Brown and other surviving by relatives and slaves, wrote to his wife, members of his raiding party in the joint October 15, 1870 “Our dear little Boo seems to have among his custody of the United States marshal and the The funeral of Robert E. Lee was held with a friends a reputation of being hard to manage, sheriff of the county. He then investigated a special effort to avoid pageantry “or the a distinction not at all desirable…I pray God totally false story about another raid five display of any spirit contrary to that which to watch over and direct our efforts in miles away, and traveled back to Washington, Lee had exhibited during the difficult days of guarding our dear Son, that we may bring where he made his report at the War the reconstruction.” All of Lee’s children him up ‘in the way he should go.’ “ Department the following day. were present, as well as two of his closest staff members, Colonel Walter H.. Taylor and October17, 1859 October 19, 1914 Colonel Charles S. Venable. General Busy making repairs at Arlington, Robert E. Robert E. Lee, Jr., 70, died at “Romancoke” Pendleton read the service for the dead Lee was summoned by Lieutenant J.E.B. (Romancock), the estate on the Pamunkey without a eulogy. Many former Confederate Stuart to immediately report to the Secretary River he has inherited from his grandfather, soldiers filed silently by his bier in the chapel of War. Setting out at once in civilian GWP Custis. His Recollections and Letters of and sang the old English hymn “How Firm a clothes, Lee learned that some kind of General Robert E. Lee had been published in Foundation” at the end of the service. insurrection was taking place at Harpers 1904. Ferry, Virginia—the John Brown raid on the October 15, 1873 Federal arsenal. Lee was asked to take October 20, 19862 [Eleanor] Agnes Lee, 32 died at Lexington, command of all the military forces, including Anne Carter (“Annie) Lee, 23, died of Virginia. She had been sick for some time militiamen from and Virginia and typhoid fever at Warren White Sulpher and had been bedridden for more than a marines from . By 11 Springs, North Carolina. “Lee had known of month. On the evening of the 14th she asked, o’clock PM, Lee arrived at Harpers Ferry by her illness and had been most apprehensive, “Doctor, must I prepare to live or die?” “To train and had the militiamen and marines but he was not prepared for her death when do both, Miss Agnes,” he replied. To Mildred surround the fire-engine house at the he received the announcement of it. After he Lee she said, “I never cared to live long. I am arsenal, where the survivors of the raid had got the letter, he pulled himself together and weary of life. How strange I should die taken refuge with their thirteen hostages. went over the official correspondence of the between my Father and Annie. He died on (continued on page 8)

The Spectacle 7 RECIPE OF THE MONTH

The strong, healthy boy born to “Light Horse Sadly, circumstances prevented them from ever Melt the butter and add the molasses, sugar Harry” and Ann Carter Lee on January 19, 1807 returning to Stratford. and eggs. Beat well. Sift together and add to was the last Lee born at Stratford to survive to the mixture the flour, soda, cinnamon, ginger maturity. Though he spent fewer than four years This recipe, however, originated at Stratford Hall, there, his later boyhood visits left an impression Virginia. It is said to be a favorite cookie of the and clove. Refrigerate the dough for several that he carried throughout his life. An impression Lee family, especially young Robert E. Lee. The hours. Break off pieces of the dough that would have him yearning to return to this cookies would be baked at the Lee Plantation (heaping teaspoon sized) and roll into small quaint plantation. and served with warm cider to visitors. balls. Roll the balls in sugar. Place on an un- greased cookie sheet about 1½ inches apart. On December 25, 1861, in the midst of war and Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until with Arlington confiscated and occupied by firm and brown, about 8-10 minutes. Makes Union troops, the lonely Lee wrote to Mary: Robert E. Lee Cookies about 10 dozen. ...In the absence of a home I wish I could pur- chase Stratford. That is the only place I could go 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine Information for article provided by: ½ cup molasses to, now accessible to us, that would inspire me 2 cups sugar www.google.com and www.stratfordhall.org with feelings of pleasure and local love. You and 2 eggs the girls could remain there in quiet. It is a poor 4 cups of flour Contributed by Christine Widrig place, but we could make enough cornbread and 4 teaspoons of soda bacon for our support and the girls could weave 2 teaspoons of cinnamon us clothes. I wonder if it is for sale and how 1 teaspoon of ginger 1 teaspoon of clove much.

Significant Historic Events in October (continued from page 7) morning in Major Taylor’s company, without October 21, 1857 the mansion to the period ca. 1804 would revealing his loss or showing his Lee learned of the death of his father-in-law, permit the elimination of all traces of the emotion…When Taylor unceremoniously re- GWP Custis. He wrote in his private Victorian architectural features and entered the tent a few minute’s later, Lee was memorandum book, “The shock was as furnishings, which he and his fellow weeping.” To Mrs. Lee he wrote, “I cannot unexpected as afflicting. Determined to go architects strongly detested and regarded as express the anguish I feel at the death of my immediately to my wife to give her all the an inferior style.” Of course, this change sweet Annie. To know that I shall never see comfort and aid in my power.” Subsequently subverted the intent of the legislation passed her again on earth, that her place in our Lee obtained leave to return to Arlington to by congress on March 4. circle, which I always hoped one day to settle Mr. Custis’ estate. enjoy, is forever vacant, is agonizing in the October 27, 1843 extreme. But God in this, as in all things, has October 26, 1925 Robert E. Lee, Jr., the sixth Lee child, was mingled mercy with the blow, in selecting The New York Times carried an article born at Arlington. Writing to a friend, Lee that one best prepared to leaves us. May you headlined “Lee Memorial Plans To Be joked that the boy had “a fine long nose like be able to join me in saying, ‘His will be Dropped”: “Following a visit of Charles C. his father, but no whiskers.” done.’” Moore, chairman of the Fine Arts Commission, paid to President Coolidge Mrs. Lee has Annie buried in Warrenton, today, it became known that an entire change AN IMPORTANT North Carolina but hoped that some day the of base in regard to the project virtually had body could be brought back to “ her own been determined upon. The mansion will be REMINDER dear home” at Arlington. restore not in the decorative style it had as Please contact Delphine Gross no later than the occupied by General Lee, but in the period 20th of each month with availability dates and October 21, 1850 style of the earlier years in which it was times to be posted the following month (Please GWP Custis presented a block of Vermont occupied by members of the Custis family.” call byOctober 20th with November information). Even if you are a regularly marble on behalf of the Washington Light scheduled VIP please contact Delphine to infantry to the mayor of Washington as a Moore, who had become the de facto confirm your availability. Again, the contact number is (703) 235-1530 ext. 227. Please contribution to the Washington Monument. director of the Arlington House restoration, leave the dates and times you are available on “had apparently decided that restoration of the voice mail. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

8 The Spectacle October 2005 Arlington House VIP Calendar Syunday Myonda Tyuesda Wyednesda Tyhursda Fyrida Saturda 1 Bryant Davis 10:00-12:00

Elene Paul 10:00-2:00

Marmie Edwards 10:00-4:30

Delia Rios 1:00-3:00 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman Kathie Lipovac Arlene Riley Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Marmie Edwards 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 12:30-4:30 2:00-4:00 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-4:30

Fred Hoffman Charlotte Bryant Davis 1:00-4:00 Needham and 10:00-12:00 Elaine Street 10:30-1:00 Russell Simonaro 10:00-12:00 Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Jim Pearson Jo Schoolfield Kathie Lipovac Elizabeth Pryor Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Marmie Edwards 12:30-4:30 10:00-2:00 12:30-4:30 9:00-12:30 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-4:30

Fred Hoffman Charlotte Lisa Kittinger 1:00-4:00 Needham and 11:00-3:00 Elaine Street 10:30-1:00 Hope Flanagan 1:00-4:00 Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Delia Rios Fred Hoffman Kathie Lipovac Arlene Riley Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Delia Rios 12:00-3:30 1:00-4:00 12:30-4:30 2:00-4:00 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 11:00-1:00

Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman Charlotte Hope Flanagan 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 Needham 1:00-4:00 10:30-1:00

Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Jim Pearson Jo Schoolfield Kathie Lipovac Elizabeth Pryor Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Russell Simonaro 12:30-4:30 10:00-2:00 12:30-4:30 9:00-12:30 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-12:00

Fred Hoffman Fred Hoffman Arlene Riley Charlotte Elene Paul 1:00-4:00 1:00-4:00 2:00-4:00 Needham and 10:00-2:00 Elaine Street 10:30-1:00 Hope Flanagan 1:00-4:00 Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 30 31 Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00

The Spectacle 9 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Arlington House The Robert E. Lee Memorial c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway Turkey Run Park McLean, VA 22101

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EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™

Volunteers Needed The Spectacle is a monthly newsletter for the volunteers of Arlington House, The Robert E. The roster of active volunteers is in dire need of additional names! If you know anyone interested in Lee Memorial. joining our ranks please refer them to Delphine Gross, Volunteer Coordinator (703) 235-1530 ext 227.

Editor Keith Drews

Supervisory Park Ranger Frank Cucurullo

Contributors Kendell Thompson Delphine Gross Karen Kinzey Christine Widrig

NPS Photographers Keith Drews

Comments? Write to: Kendell Thompson, Site Manager Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway Turkey Run Park McLean, VA 22101

10 The Spectacle