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

Christmas at Arlington

“Home for the holidays” meant Arlington at Christmas, for the Lees. Robert E. Lee felt this was a time when families should be together and, whenever possible, he and his family returned to Arlington to share the season with Mary’s parents. Lee’s occupation as an Army Engineer favored winter vacations, when the work was shut down by weather. Frequently, hardships of travel and health had to be overcome to reach Arlington at Christmas. But, despite these challenges, Robert was away from Mary at Christmas only during the war in Mexico from 1846-1849 and in 1860 when he was stationed in Texas. Starting in 1831, the first year of the Lees’ marriage, Robert was at Arlington 20 out of a possible 30 Christmases while the family lived there—a phenomenal White Parlor decorated for Christmas record for a soldier on active duty for all those years. Mr. Custis supervised the placement of the Christmas at Arlington became very child yule log. A piece of the log from the previous oriented. Books, dolls, boots, skates, and a The observance of Christmas at Arlington Christmas was used to ignite the highly tool chest were among the gifts exchanged was most immediately influenced by the decorated log of the new season. This old on this day. deep religious convictions of Mrs. Custis and Norse and Anglo-Saxon custom was an Mr. Custis’ love of George Washington, important part of the Arlington Christmas Christmas 1846 found Robert E. Lee away Mount Vernon and all associations with that celebration. from his family and Arlington at Christmas house that had been his home until his for the first time in 15 years. From his tent Grandmother, Martha Washington, died in Christmas day itself began with ‘Christmas near a small Mexican town he wrote to 1802. The fact that the Washingtons had gifting’ of family members, guests and Custis and Rooney on Christmas Eve: chosen the Christmas season 1758-59 to be servants followed by morning prayer and married made their wedding anniversary, breakfast. Then, weather permitting, the “I hope good Santa Claus will fill my January 6th an important part of the family attended services at Christ Episcopal Rob’s stockings tonight, that Arlington celebration. Church in Alexandria where Robert and Mildred’s, Agnes’s, and Annie’s may Mary had worshiped since childhood. After break down with good things. I do not Christmas at Arlington began on December exchanging season’s greetings with town know what he may have for you and 17, when Mr. Custis had the greens brought friends and family the carriage would return Mary, but if he only leaves for you one in. The pine, ivy, holly and myrtle filled to Arlington in time for the feast. The half of what I wish, you will want for Arlington and were kept fresh through the celebration continued until Robert had to nothing. I have frequently thought if I twelve days of Christmas. Mistletoe was return to duty in January. had one of you on each side of me suspended from lanterns and arches. Any riding on ponies, such as I could get unsuspecting loiterer, found beneath, was As the Lee family grew with the births of you, I would be comparatively happy.” required to forfeit a kiss. On Christmas Eve, seven children between 1832 and 1846, (continued on page 2)

Volunteer’s Monthly Newsletter - Volume IV, Number 12 - December 2003 Christmas at Arlington (continued)

Robert wrote separately to ‘My Dearest detained by the snow and ice on the From 1852-1854, Colonel Lee’s position as Mary’ on Christmas Day and he described rails. We found your grandfather at the Superintendent of the Military Academy at his Christmas dinner. The table was Washington depot, Daniel and the old West Point required the elder Lees’ presence decorated with pine and oranges and bottles carriage and horses, and young Daniel during the holidays, so they were away from of wine. The feast featured roasted turkey on the colt Mildred. Your mother, Arlington for Christmas. In 1856, Lee was and chicken and, among other good things, grandfather, Mary Eliza, the little absent from the Arlington Christmas eggnog. He had made use of the Mount people and the baggage, I thought load celebrations once again after he was Vernon flatware which Mr. Custis had sent enough for the carriage, so Rooney transferred to Texas with the Second United with him. It was placed at the Commanding and I took our feet in our hands and States Cavalry. However, his thoughts were Officer’s place and admired by all. He walked over . . . .The snow impeded with his wife and children, as he wrote to continued to remember with Mary the the carriage as well as us, and we them from afar: Christmases they had shared. reached here shortly after it. The children were delighted at getting “The time is approaching when I trust “We have had many happy Christmas’ back, and passed the evening in many of you will be assembled around together, and this is the first time that devising pleasure for the morrow. the family hearth at dear Arlington, to we have been entirely separated at this They were in upon us before day on celebrate another Christmas. Though holy time since our marriage, and Christmas morning, to overhaul their absent, my heart will be in the midst of though I have been absent on two or stockings. Mildred thinks she drew the you, and I shall enjoy in imagination three other occasions on the day itself, prize in the shape of a beautiful new and memory, all that is going on. May yet have not been far distant and doll; Angelina’s infirmities were so nothing occur to mar or cloud the always arrived during the holy days. great that she was left in Baltimore and family fireside, and may each be able to We have therefore nothing to this new treasure was entirely look back with pride and pleasure at complain of and I hope it has not unexpected. The cakes, candies, their deeds of the past year and with interfered with your happiness, books, etc., were overlooked in the confidence and hope to that in surrounded as you are by father, caresses bestowed upon her, and she prospect. I can do nothing but hope Mother, children and dear friends. I was scarcely out of her arms all day. and pray for you.” therefore trust you are well and happy Rooney got among his gifts a nice pair and that this is the last time I shall be of boots, which he particularly Again, only a few days before Christmas, he absent from you during my life. May wanted, and the girls, I hope, were wrote: God preserve and bless you till then equally pleased with their presents, and forever after is my constant books, and trinkets. “I have been recalling dearest Mary prayer.” Your mother, Mary, Rooney, and I the many happy Christmases we have went into church, and Rooney... skated had together, and the pleasure I have This family, like many others, would not be back along the canal (Rooney having enjoyed with you, your dear parents reunited until the end of the war. Their next taken his skates along for the and the children around me. I ought Christmas together would be celebrated purpose,) and we filled his place in the not therefore to repine at an between assignments for Lee, in 1848, at carriage with Miss Sarah Stuart, one of occasional separation from you, but be Arlington. M.’s comrades, Minny Uoyd was grateful for what I have had, and be detained at home to assist her mother prepared to keep this solitary and Christmas 1849 found the Lees settled in at dinner but your Aunt Maria alone My prayers and thoughts will be Baltimore where Robert was working on the Fitzhugh brought her and Miss with you and all will receive my fervent construction of Fort Carroll. They returned Lucretia Fitzhugh out the next day, salutations. I hope nothing will be to Arlington for every Christmas until 1852. and Wallace Stiles and his brother omitted that I could have done, to The celebrations were grand, as Lee arriving at the same time, we had quite make each one happy.” described in a letter to his eldest son, Custis, a table-full... who was absent in 1851. I need not describe to you our Lee was back at Arlington for Christmas in amusements, you have witnessed them 1857, on leave from the army to manage the “We came on Wednesday morning. It so often; nor the turkey, cold ham, affairs of the Arlington plantation, in the was a bitter cold day, and we were kept plum pudding, mince-pies, etc. at wake of Mr. Custis’s death. Duties connected waiting an hour in the depot at dinner. I hope you will enjoy them with the estate would keep him at Arlington Baltimore for the cars, which were again, or some equally as good... “ through Christmas the following year.

2 The Spectacle ...... Christmas at Arlington From the Office on the Other (continued)

Side of the Wall In the spring of 1860, Lee returned to Texas and stayed there through the following Kendell has asked me to pinch hit for him Slave Quarters. We’ll keep you informed as winter. As Christmas, 1860 approached, Mrs. this issue. It’s December, and the holidays, the dig and its study continue. Lee’s health and the unsettled state of my favorite time of the year, are upon us. national affairs precluded any thought of her We’ll be marking the season with our annual We’re also having some personnel changes – going West. With the election of Abraham Christmas decorations and our program Mary Burns has left the NPS, and Tom Lincoln in November, South Carolina “The Last Christmas”, discussing the last Downs is leaving for Hampton NHS near seceded. Concern for the future of the Union time the Lee family celebrated the holiday in Baltimore – good luck to both of them. John was reflected in Colonel Lee’s Christmas their beloved Arlington. McCarthy and Geoff Suiter will be coming greeting: over from C & O canal NHP to help out. The holes in the ground, piles of dirt, and Former intern Becca Withers will also stop “Although you anticipated a quiet temporary tents are not holiday decorations by for about a week in late December. Christmas, I hope it was a happy one – they’re the evidence of the archeological to you all, and that you were filled with dig taking place on site, which should wrap I would like to close by thanking all of you gratitude for the many blessings that up in a few weeks. The final report will not for your hard work during this past year – we surrounded you. Although distant, my be completed for a while, but so far the dig couldn’t keep the building open, conduct heart and thoughts were ever present has yielded several pieces of crockery, a programs, clean the house, pick up trash, do with you and my prayers were offered bullet from the Civil War, and other objects research, or frankly, do anything without for Heavens choicest benefits for you from mid-19th Century Arlington. The ar- you. I wish you and your families and friends all.... Here we are far removed and get cheologists believe they’ve found evidence of the very best of this holiday season. the essence of all disunion movements several floors we were unaware of, as a well ...... from the New Orleans papers.... I am as a fire ring in the center room of the South Frank Cucurullo particularly anxious that ‘Virginia should keep right, and inauguration of the Constitution, so I would wish that Holiday Decorating Set for she might be able to maintain it and the week of December 7 save the union.’” National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Arlington House will be decorated the week of Unfortunately this was not to be and, as it December7th, in keeping with Christmas turned out, Christmas of 1860 would be the customs and traditions observed by the Custis and Lee families. Volunteers interested in Lee family’s last at Arlington. Virginia voted helping with decorating duties should notify to secede from the Union in April 1861 and Delphine. Arlington House was the home of Robert E. Lee the Lees left Arlington for good shortly and his family for thirty years and is uniquely associated with the Washington and Custis before the estate was occupied by U.S. Army families. It is now preserved as a memorial to troops in May 1861. General Lee, who gained the respect of Americans in both the North and the South. Christmas Program Arlington House th The Robert E. Lee Memorial Arlington House’s annual Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday, December 14 , c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway 2:00-4:00pm. This year’s program will include an interpretive talk “December 1860, the Last Turkey Run Park Christmas.” Musical entertainment will be provided by Arlington’s Yorktown High School McLean, VA 22101 Madrigal Singers. Anyone interested in volunteering a few hours to assist with this special Phone program should notify Delphine. 703-235-1530 You and your guests are cordially invited to Web Site Arlington House’s Annual Christmas Program http://www.nps.gov/arho and Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Celebration The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people Sunday, December 14, 2003 so that all may experience our heritage. The Christmas Program will be presented from 2 P.M. until 4 P.M., and the holiday celebration will be held in the Old Administration Building (Park Service Office) from 4 P.M. until 6 P.M. (after the Christmas Program) Please join us and celebrate the holiday season at Arlington House

The Spectacle 3 Area Special Events

December 4-5 December 8 Living history, “St. Nick at Endview,” an 1861 Holiday Music Program at the Old Salem Christmas with a period Santa Claus at Church, west of Fredericksburg, Virginia off Endview Plantation in Newport News, Route 3. 7 pm. 540-373-6122 or www.nps.gov/ Virginia. Toy donation, registration required. frsp 5-7 pm. $3. 757-887-1862 or www.endview.org. December 11-12 Living history, “St. Nick at Endview,” an 1861 December 6 Christmas at Endview Plantation in Newport December 14 Holiday Open House at the Rupp House News, Virginia. Details: 757-887-1862. “Court End Christmas,” free admission to History Center, Friends of the National Parks Richmond’s Court End neighborhood at Gettysburg headquarters, 451 Baltimore St December 12-13 museums including the Museum of the in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 10 am-6 pm. Living history, “A Lee Family Christmas,” Confederacy, Richmond, Virginia. Living Free. www.friendsofgettysburg.org or 717- 1861 Christmas at Lee Hall in Newport News, history and refreshments. Noon-5 pm. 804- 334-0772. Virginia with music and refreshments. 649-1861 or www.moc.org. Details: 757-888-3371. Special program, “A Christmas at Liberia,” Living history, Civil War Christmas Party at decorations, refreshments, music and living December 13 the Stonewall Jackson Museum at Hupp’s history at this historic Manassas, Virginia Museums by Candlelight at Frederick’s Hill near Strasburg, Virginia. 1-5 pm. $3. 540- site. Advance tickets $15; registration historic sites including the National Museum 465-5884 or www.waysideofva.com. required. 703-368-1873 or of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, www.manassasmuseum.org. . 2-7 pm. Free. 301-695-1864 or Tour and special program, Battle of www.civilwarmed.org. Fredericksburg anniversary Special program, “Soldier Life and commemorations. “Tour of the Irish Sanitation,” at the National Museum of Civil Christmas in Camp Open House, living Brigade” begins at City Dock and covers the War Medicine in Frederick, Maryland. 11 am- history, Santa Claus, period decorations and route to Marye’s Heights. Noon. Ceremony 3 pm. Free with admission. more at Fort Ward Museum in Alexandria. at the Kirkland Monument at the Heights, 301-695-1864 or www.civilwarmed.org. noon-4 pm. $2. Reservations. 703-838-4848 Fredericksburg, Virginia at 2 pm. 540-373- or www.fortward.org. 6122 or www.nps.gov/frsp. Memorial Illumination on the Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Maryland. December 13-14 December 26-31 One of the premier Civil War events of the Reenactment, “Christmas in the Field,” Living history, “Christmas at Home and on year. 23,000 candles representing a casualty annual event at Endview Plantation in the Front,” at Pamplin Historical Park south from the battle are lit on the battlefield tour Newport News. Battles both days, of Petersburg, Virginia. Free with admission. route. Begins at 6 pm. Expect crowds. Some demonstrations, vendors, much more. 9 am- 877-PAMPLIN or www.pamplinpark.org. park roads and the visitor center close at 3 4 pm Saturday, 10 am-3 pm Sunday. $6. 757- pm. Bad weather date is Dec 13. 887-1862. December 31 Details: 301-432-5124 or www.nps.gov/anti. Deck Party, New Year’s Eve at the USS December 13-14 Constellation in The Inner Harbor, Living history, “Visit with Civil War Santa,” Special program, “Keeping Christmas,” a Baltimore, Maryland. 401-539-1797 or and holiday sale at the Civil War Store at typical 19th-century holiday at the Harpers www.constellation.org for ticket info. Pamplin Historical Park south of Petersburg, Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Virginia. Free with admission. Ferry, West Virginia. Free with park 877-PAMPLIN or www.pamplinpark.org. admission. 304-535-6299 or www.nps.gov/hafe. December 7 Living history, Christmas Open House at the December 13-15 Miller-Kite House (Stonewall Jackson Living History, “Victorian Yuletide Tours” at Headquarters) in Elkton, Virginia. Noon-5 the Surratt House Museum in Clinton, pm. Donations welcome. Maryland. Candlelight tours, antiques, Civil 540-298-1717 or 540-298-5390. War Santa and more. 301-868-1121 or www.surratt.org.

4 The Spectacle Significant Historic Events in December

December 1, 1859 of execution was ringed by 1500 soldiers, honor of prominent abolitionists.” There Robert E. Lee wrote to his wife from including Virginia Military Institute cadets were churches, a hospital, schools, and a Harper’s Ferry, which he was guarding for an commanded by Professor Thomas (later home for the aged. The able-bodied indefinite time before and after the execution “Stonewall”) Jackson and a Richmond militia freedmen were taught useful trades or of John Brown on December 2. “Tomorrow private, . When the trap cultivated the fields. Secretary of State will probably be the last of Captain Brown. was sprung, a militia colonel broke the William H. Seward “demonstrated his There will be less interest for the others, but stillness, “So perish all such enemies of interest in the intellectual wellbeing of the will still I think the troops will not be Virginia! All such enemies of the Union! All village residents by his personal support of withdrawn till they are similarly disposed of.” such enemies of the human race!” But John the school.” Brown’s wife, Mary, asked Lee’s permission Brown had the last word. Just before his to say farewell to her husband, but Lee could execution he had written, “I John Brown. am At first Freedman’s village was located in the only refer her to the commander in now quite certain that the crimes of this low lying areas of Arlington estate but was Charlestown where the execution was to take guilty land will never be purged away but eventually moved to what is now Section4 of place. (Mary Brown was allowed to visit him with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly the cemetery. “Neighboring residences in his cell that afternoon). flattered myself that without very much complained of the crime associated with the bloodshed it might be done.” village and of the financial burden they were December 1, 1861 forced to assume as federal assistance to the Arlington had now been occupied but the “At Harper’s Ferry nothing more exciting villagers was reduced.” After 1882, when the Army for more than six happened than the arrival of Brown’s body federal government acquired clear title to months. In a letter to Orton Williams, Agnes and its transshipment to Philadelphia.” Lee Arlington estate from Custis Lee, the land Lee is reminded of the Lee’s cat, Tom Tita, and the troops were returned to their became part of a military reservation, and who she says “is so entirely associates with a respective stations on December 12. “The civilians were prohibited from living there. winter at home.” She imagines him “freezing country continued to debate bitterly the On December 7, 1887 the residents were up in the garret where Cousin Markie last rights and wrongs of Brown’s attempt, but notified that they had ninety days to vacate saw him [in July], afraid of those federal the affair seems to have affected Lee very the premises... By 1890, after nearly thirty soldiers.” little.” years, Freedman’s Village was dismantled and the residents were forced to leave.” December 1, 1862 December 4, 1860 President Abraham Lincoln proposed three In his State of the Union Address, President December 4, 1882 constitutional amendments, which would James Buchanan declared that secession was In a five-to-four decision, the Supreme Court have provided for compensated “revolution” and unjustifiable. On the other ruled that the United States had taken emancipation and colonization of the hand, he declared that states were sovereign Arlington estate without due process and freedmen outside the United States. “As our and their rights could not be interfered with. thatCustis Lee was its rightful owner. More case is new, so we must think anew, and act The message was condemned in both the than a decade before Custis Less “had been anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and North and South—in the South, because the advised by his legal counsel that, because of then we shall save our country. Fellow- President condemned secession, and in the the questionable procedure used in citizens, we cannot escape history…We shall North, because he proposed no way to deal obtaining the tile, the government’s claim to nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best, hope with it. the Arlington estate was tenuous at best. He of earth.” therefore made overtures to recover just Mrs. Lee wrote Mildred that the cat, Tom compensation for the property. In April, 1874 December 2, 1843 Tita, “comes in my room every morning, ... his formal claim was presented to the United The Alexandria Canal, connecting gets in my bed and sleeps all day by stove.” States Senate, where it received a hostile Alexandria with the Chesapeake and Ohio response from the Republicans. Custis Lee canal, opened to commercial traffic. December 2, 1863 then brought an action for ejectment against Groundbreaking ceremonies had been held Freedman’s Village on Arlington estate was the United States in April 1877. In March on July 4, 1831. The canal ran through officially dedicated with representatives from 1883, Congress finally appropriated $150,000 Arlington estate, and its route is now part of Congress, the cabinet, and the Army on hand as compensation, and Custis Lee executed the Metro system. for the ceremonies. “A model of its kind... , the deed to Arlington estate on May 14. the village normally housed about 2,000 December 2, 1859 freedmen in rows of two-and-a-half story, December 5, 1835 John Brown was hung at 11:30 AM. The field white frame houses on streets named in The National Theatre opened to a full house.

The Spectacle 5 Significant Historic Events in December (continued)

A number of GWP Custis’ plays were “directly or by implication, participated in for an attack by United States forces. When performed here, including his most popular the existing rebellion” if they took an oath to Burnside’s troops finally began crossing the production, Pocahontas or The Settlers of the Union. Exceptions included men such as river on the 11th, they faced a Confederate Virginia. The theater was designed in a Lee who were high-ranking military officers army solidly established on high ground with patriotic style, which should have been to in the Confederacy. “Thus Lincoln made a a clear field on fire. “A futile, wild, fantastic, Custis’ liking. In the proscenium arch was “a significant step toward reconstruction, and direct slam by federal against the exceedingly representation of the Declaration of indicated his future course of moderation.” well entrenched Confederates of Lee failed Independence, supported on the wings of miserably.” Lee, watching the battle through Time. The curtain displays an equestrian December 10, 1862 field glasses, murmured to an aide, “It is well statue of Washington in front of rich drapery, Robert E. Lee wrote his daughter-in-law, that war is so terrible—we should grow too which is partly drawn aside, and displays the Charlotte Wickham Lee, the wife of his son fond of if.” United States causalities Tomb of Washington, Mount Vernon, and c.” Rooney, a letter of sympathy: “I heard numbered more than 12,000; the yesterday, my dear of the death of your Confederate lost less than half that number. December 5, 1855 infant. I was so grateful at her birth. I felt “The heroism was there, but not the Robert E. Lee left Arlington to attend to that she would be such a comfort to you, strategy.” GWP Custis’ tangled accounts at the White such a pleasure to my dear Fitzhugh, and House estate on the Pamunkey River. By the would fill so full the void still aching in your December 14, 1824 time he left for Carlisle Barracks in January hearts. But you have now two sweet angels On their way from Mt. Vernon to 1856, he had checked the accounts of his in heaven. What joy there is in the thought! I Washington, General Lafayette and his son father-in-law’s agent, Francis Nelson, and can say nothing to soften the anguish you George Washington Lafayette, made a “flying discovered them “in error to the sum of must feel, and I know you are assured of my visit” to Alexandria and dined with Ann Lee, about $6,000 in addition to which there were deep and affectionate sympathy. May God the widow of Lafayette comrade in arms, $6400 of vouchers requiring further give you strength to bear the affliction He has General Henry Lee. Undoubtedly Robert E. examination.” The estates themselves Lee imposed, and produce future joy out of your Lee, 17, was in attendance. found in good order. present misery, is my earnest prayer.” December 14, 1860 December 5, 1860 December 11, 1804 In a letter to his son Custis, then stationed at Lee wrote to his son Custis, then stationed at This is the earliest known date on which Fort Washington, Maryland, Lee wrote: Fort Washington, Maryland: “If union is GWP Custis referred to his home, formerly “Feeling the aggression of the North, dissolved, which God in his mercy forbid, I known as “Mt. Washington,” as Arlington resenting their denial of the equal rights of shall return to you. If not, tell my friends to House. our citizens of the common territory of the give me all the promotion they can.” commonwealth, etc., I am not pleased with December 13, 1856 the course of the ‘Cotton States,’ as they term December 6, 1884 Colonel Lee wrote Mrs. Lee from Fort themselves. In addition to their selfish, The Washington Monument, 555 feet high, Brown, Texas. He hoped that James dictatorial bearing, the threats they throw was completed. GWP Custis had been Buchanan, recently elected president, would out against the ‘Border States, ‘ as they call present for the laying of its cornerstone on “be able to extinguish fanaticism North and them, if they will not join them, argue little July 4, 1848 and it was completed under South...and restore harmony between the for the benefit. While I wish to do what is direction of Horatio Wright, who is buried in different sections.” He added, “that if right, I am unwilling to do what is wrong, front of Arlington House. anything should turn up in the way of either at the bidding of the South or the promotion, ask your father if suitable and North. One of their plans seems to be the December 8, 1861 proper to apply in my behalf. The office of renewal of the slave trade. That I am Lee closes a wartime letter to his daughter Inspector General would suit me well...” opposed to on every ground...” Annie with the playful comment, “My feet are entirely neglected”—probably a December 13, 1862 December 15, 1860 reference to his curious habit of having his The Battle of Fredricksburg. On or about this date, Lee has a conversation children tickle his feet. General Ambrose Burnside, who replaced with fellow officer Charles Anderson— McClellan at the beginning of November, brother of the Major Robert Anderson who December 8, 1863 proved his lack of fitness for high command was to be in command of Fort Sumter when President Abraham Lincoln issued his by delaying his crossing of the the first shots of the war were to be fired— Proclamation of Amnesty and Rappahannock River for weeks while Lee and Dr. Willis G. Edwards. When Dr. Reconstruction, pardoning those who gathered his scattered forces and prepared Edwards raised the question of whether a

6 The Spectacle Significant Historic Events in December (continued) man’s first allegiance was due his state or the In April 1866, Montgomery Meigs designated above human comprehension and is nation, Lee answered instantly and the flower garden of Arlington House as the sufficient to satisfy all its desires. The unequivocally that he had been taught to site of the Tomb of the Unknown Dead of the difficulty is to conform the heart, the mind, believe “ that his first obligations were due Civil War “to assure the permanent and thoughts to its teaching and to obtain the Virginia.” destruction of Arlington as a habitable strength to bring the body under the control estate.” of its spirit.” December 15, 1866 In a careful letter to eminent British historian December 18, 1855 December 25, 1861 Sir John Dalberg Acton, Lee expounded the GWP Custis accompanied a group of Robert E. Lee wrote his wife on Christmas Southern constitutional view of the Civil veterans to Mt. Vernon and there made a day from Coosawatchie, South Carolina: “ War, which he came to understand and speech at the tomb of Washington. The As to our old home, if not destroyed, it will espouse during the conflict. Lee said he National Intelligencer noted that while Mr. be difficult ever to be recognized. Even if the believed in “the maintenance of the rights Custis wore the epaulettes originally fastened enemy had wished to preserve it, it would and authority reserved in the states and to on his shoulder by George Washington, the almost have been impossible. With the the people” and warned that the sword which Washington had given him, number of troops encamped around it, the “consolidation of the states into one vast Custis had presented to his son-in-law change of officers, and c. The want of fuels, republic, sure to be aggressive abroad and Robert E. Lee before the Mexican campaign. shelter, and c., and all the dire necessities of despotic at home, will be the certain war, it is vain to think of its being in a precursor of the ruin which has December 18, 1865 habitable condition. I fear too books and overwhelmed all those that have preceded The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. furniture, and the relics of Mount Vernon it.” Though the letter to Acton is Lee’s fullest Constitution abolishing slavery was declared will be gone. It is better to make up our expression of Lee’s constitutional views, the in effect by Secretary of State Seward after minds to a general loss. They cannot take letter had little political significance at the approval by twenty-seven states. (The away the remembrances of the spot, and the time because its existence was not generally Arlington slaves had been legally free since memories of those that to us rendered it known until 1917. July 17, 1862 when President Lincoln had sacred. That will remain to us as long as life signed the Second Confiscation Act. This will last, and that we can preserve. December 17, 1865 freed slaves of those who aided the rebellion Lieutenant Colonel James Moore, Assistant when the slaves came within control of the “In the absence of a home, I wish I could Quartermaster General of the Washington United States forces.) purchase Stratford. That is the only other Depot, reported to his superior that place that I could go to, now accessible to us, Quartermaster General Meigs had December 19, 1817 that would inspire me with feelings of “expressed his regret that interments had not David Meade Randolph applied his pleasure and local love. You and the girls been made in close proximity to the “hydraulic cement” to the northwest corner could remain there in quiet. It is a poor Arlington House, Va., so as to more firmly of Arlington House. The Stucco was made place, but we could make enough cornbread secure the grounds known as the National by burning fossil shells from a deposit near and bacon for our support, and the girls Cemetery to the Government by rendering it Yorktown. could weave us clothes. I wonder if it is for undesirable as a future residence or sale and at how much...” homestead. December 20, 1860 South Carolina became the first state to On the same day he wrote one of his “There being more than a thousand secede from the Union. “Charleston went daughters: “Your old home, if not destroyed interments yet to be made, the view of the wild with joy and expectation.” by our enemies has been so desecrated that I Quartermaster General can now be carried cannot bear to think of it. I should have out. December 20, 1865 preferred it to have been wiped from the Markie Williams had attempted to interest earth, its beautiful hill sunk, and its sacred “A brother of General Lee (Smith Lee) in a General Lee in reading Thomas a Kempis’ trees buried rather than to have degraded but recent visit to Arlington, remarked to the Imitation of Christ. Lee replied that he had the presence of those who revel in the ill they Superintendent [of the cemetery], that the read some of her favorite chapters, but do for their own selfish purposes. You see house would still be made a pleasant added, “I prefer the Bible to any other book. what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy residence, by fencing off the Cemetery, and There is enough in that to satisfy the most to possess what was given me; for that reason removing the officers buried around the ardent thirst for knowledge; to open the way it has been take away. I pray for a better garden.” to true wisdom; and to teach the only road to spirit, and that the hearts of our enemies may salvation and eternal happiness. It is not be changed.”

The Spectacle 7 Significant Historic Events in December (continued) AN IMPORTANT December 25, 1862 should it please Him eventually to establish To his daughter Mildred, Lee wrote: “I have our independence and spare our lives, all will REMINDER pleased myself in reminiscences today of the be well.” Please contact Delphine Gross no later than the many happy Xmas’ we have enjoyed together 20th of each month with availability dates and at our once happy home. Notwithstanding December 26, 1799 times to be posted the following month (Please its present desecrated and pillaged condition, Congressman and former three-time call by Dedember 20th with January information). Even if you are a regularly I trust that a just and merciful God may yet governor of Virginia Henry Lee, father of scheduled VIP please contact Delphine to gather all that He may spare under its Robert E. Lee, eulogized George Washington confirm your availability. Again, the contact beloved roof. How filled with thanks and with the now familiar words, “First in war, number is (703) 235-1530 ext. 227. Please leave the dates and times you are available on gratitude will our hearts then be! But in the first in peace and first in the hearts of his the voice mail. Your cooperation is greatly meantime let us not forget how abundantly countrymen.” appreciated. He has blessed us in our condition, and RECIPE OF THE MONTH

This month, we are featuring a great 19th Century dessert. Be sure to try it out and tell us what you think. As always, feel free to contribute any tantalizing dishes of your own, your support is always welcome. Enjoy!! Plum Pudding “Take a pound of the best flour, sift it and make it up before sunrise, with six eggs beaten light, a large spoonful of good yeast, and as much milk as will make it the consistence of bread. Let it rise well. Knead into it half a pound of butter. Put in a grated nutmeg, with one and a half pounds of raisins stoned and cut up. Mix all well together. Wet a cloth, flour it, and tie it loosely, that the pudding may have room to rise. Raisins for puddings or cakes should be rubbed in a little flour, to prevent their settling to the bottom. See that it does not stick to them in “lumps.” From The Virginia Housewife 1828

1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon each salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice 1 cup soft bread crumbs 1 cup chopped suet 1 cup prune pulp 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup uncooked chopped prunes 1/4 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped 1/4 cup molasses 3 eggs, separated Hard Sauce, recipe follows Sift together the flour, salt, baking soda and spices. Mix together the rest of the ingredients, except the egg whites, adding just the yolks. Whip the egg whites until stiff and fold into the batter. Grease a pudding mold dredged with sugar and pour in batter. Cover the mold with its lid or cover tightly with foil. Steam for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the size of your mold. Serve hot with hard sauce. If you are not serving the pud- ding immediately, store in the refrigerator soaking in 1 ounce of brandy. Add 1 ounce each week. Serve with warmed Hard Sauce. Hard sauce: 1/4 cup butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon dark rum 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Cream the butter in an electric mixer until pale in color. Add the sugar and mix well. Add the flavorings and mix in then adjust, to taste. Yield: approximately 10 to 12 servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 4 hours

8 The Spectacle December 2003 Arlington House VIP Calendar Syunday Myonda Tyuesda Wyednesda Tyhursda Fyrida Saturda 1 2 345 6 Walter DeGroot Fred Hoffman Elaine Street Joan Cashell 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:00 10:30-2:00 9:30-12:30

Fred Hoffman 1:00-4:00

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Elene Paul Walter DeGroot Elene Paul Anne Cake C. Needham Joan Cashell Vanna Lewis 9:00-12:00 9:00-12:00 12:30-4:30 12:00-3:00 and Elaine Street 9:30-12:30 9:00-4:30 10:30-2:00 Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Elene Paul Walter DeGroot Fred Hoffman Anne Cake C. Needham Joan Cashell 9:00-12:00 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:00 12:00-3:00 10:30-2:00 9:30-12:30

Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00

Lisa Kittinger 12:30-4:30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Jim Pearson Walter DeGroot Fred Hoffman Anne Cake Closed Joan Cashell 12:30-4:30 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:00 12:00-3:00 9:30-12:30 Merry Christmas Fred Hoffman Nona Wartella Nona Wartella 1:00-4:00 1:00-3:30 10:30-2:00

28 29 30 31 Jim Pearson Walter DeGroot Fred Hoffman Anne Cake 12:30-4:30 9:00-12:00 1:00-4:00 12:00-3:00

Fred Hoffman 1:00-4:00

If you are available to volunteer, but are not on the calendar please call Delphine so you can be added to the schedule.

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 Delphine Gross

Supervisory Park Ranger Frank Cucurullo

Contributors Frank Cucurullo Delphine Gross

NPS Photographers Keith Drews Mark Jones

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