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

From the Office Down the Hall When Holidays Take a Holiday

We are entering the eleventh month. Frost warnings are posted and the winter enclosure, our one rampart against the chill wind, is being readied for the mansion. It is dark when we enter the House to clean and gloaming when we leave. But although the trees are turning stony and spare and the grass will soon turn brown, there is, none- the-less, a genuine sense of celebration beginning to sound. In October, 1863, Lincoln said, “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.” And so it has. It is holiday season!

Lincoln’s words opened his proclamation establishing Thanksgiving as a federal holiday. But Thanksgiving had already been around a long time. President George Custis violin played by Risa Browder at 2005 Open House Washington, G.W.P. Custis’ “father,” proclaimed November 26, 1789 to be a treats (which sounds suspiciously like and was, despite contemporary accounts of Thanksgiving Day. But his successor, Halloween today). Yet, there are very few costumes and treats, primarily a religious President Jefferson, felt it was historic references to these holidays— observance. Still there is no mention of it at unconstitutional to create a federal holiday. especially Thanksgiving mischief—at Arlington House. So Arlington was already in Federal hands Arlington House. before we got the day off. Now there are ten Christmas, however, has figured prominently federal holidays—and 40% of them fall in Halloween (and, to a lesser degree: All Saints at Arlington House over the years. In 1852, these coming dark days of mid-November to Day) appear to have arrived in the United Agnes Lee wrote: “I am flying about New Years Day! States primarily on the wave of immigrants preparing presents and hanging stockings…I from Ireland. Therefore, George Washington spent the whole morning…being as happy as And this is not to mention the parisology of Parke Custis, a famous champion of the Irish, possible.” But while Lee missed few Halloween, All Saints Day, Election Day and must surely have been aware of this quaint, if Christmas’ at home and made huge efforts to Totensonntag (also called Ewigkeitssonntag). somewhat Pagan celebration. Yet it does not be with his family (from Mexico Lee wrote And of course there is also Columbus Day, seem to have been practiced at Arlington. Mary in 1846: “…I have been absent on two Kwanzaa, Daylight Savings Day, Boxing Day This is not overly surprising considering or three other occasions on the day itself, yet and Solstice. It is a happy time of year, and Halloween was new to the U.S. (and Irish have not been far distant & always arrived apparently, during Lee’s time, people even jack-o-lanterns were often made in potatoes during the holy days.”), where was the celebrated Thanksgiving with children in and turnips!) Thanksgiving, on the other (continued on page 3) costume and the making of mischief and hand, had been observed by Custis’ “father,”

Volunteers Monthly Newsletter - Volume VI, Number 11 - November 2005 History Happenings The Mystery of Mr. Custis’ Paintings

“I have an excellent studio fitted up in the quills of porcupines.” Three weeks earlier, South wing of the house. . .” RE Lee had written: “The ‘big Picture’ has George Washington Parke Custis been exhibited in the Capitol and has December 30, 1852 attracted some severe animadversions from the Critics . . .” according to another letter in Many of you have asked about the history of the UVA archives. Yet Murray Nelligan Mr. Custis’ paintings. The history of his identified the painting as that of the Battle of Revolutionary War battle scenes is quite Trenton and claimed that it measured 13 by 11 convoluted. Primary and secondary feet. Nelligan’s source was a letter (12/8/1835) accounts often contradict one another. At from Custis to Jared Sparks. The letter to this time, four of the paintings are on exhibit Sparks is owned by Harvard College; in the morning room: Monmouth, the unfortunately, Nelligan did not make a copy largest, Trenton, Princeton, and for the files. Neither Trenton nor Princeton Germantown. Museum records do not measures 13 by 11. establish a firm date for any of the paintings. Although the identity of the painting As a young boy, Custis acquired an interest in exhibited in the 1830s remains something of a painting from Nelly’s tutor, William Dunlap, mystery, Custis’ disappointment at its us put it in the ribber, we is going to and his exposure to a wide variety of artists removal is well documented. Custis cut it up and make aprons wid it.” As it who visited Mount Vernon. As an adult, maintained that his picture was returned to was unrolled dim figures of men and Custis turned to his artwork as one of his him for political reasons. In a letter (4/25/36) horses were to be seen, these were to many outlets to pay tribute to George to the Superintendent of the Capitol, Custis be boiled off, that the canvas might be Washington. Eventually, Custis used the observed: “I might have hoped for more made use of. morning room and office as a studio. charity from the Public toward a production According to Markie Williams and other from a self taught artist. A set of H ___(?) Calvert’s account, which confirms Mr. guests, Mr. Custis always asked visitors for scribblers who infest the Capitol must abuse Custis’ version of the story, suggests that the their opinion of his artwork, and some were some one. . . I have now ordered my agent to painting in question was destroyed by the hard pressed to find a diplomatic answer! remove the picture, and on his return to cast slaves during the 1840s. Benson Lossing, the historian who painted it from the bridge into the Potomac, that it the famous watercolor of the mansion, may offend no more.” Unfortunately, Custis According to Nelligan, in 1852 Custis “was praised the battle scenes for their historical did not provide the name of the painting in retouching four paintings – Monmouth, accuracy and style during his 1853 visit. After his letter. Germantown, Trenton, and Princeton.” That the Civil War, he dismissed them as “very same year, he began working on his poor specimens.” Interestingly, Elizabeth Randolph Calvert Surrender at Yorktown. When Benson (Childhood Days at Arlington manuscript) Lossing visited in March, 1853, he indicated When did Custis produce his epic canvases, recalled a similar incident when she recorded that the Yorktown painting was nearly and which was displayed in the Capitol? A her memories of her c. 1845 visit to Arlington. finished. He also claimed that Trenton, review of sources indicates that Mr. Custis Calvert gave this account in her memoir: Germantown, Monmouth, the Surrender at displayed his artwork in the Capitol Rotunda He painted a picture for one of the Yorktown, and Washington at Yorktown had twice. In 1836, one of his battle scenes was spaces of the Rotunda of the capitol, all been painted within 6 years of each other. displayed temporarily in the capitol. VIP which was not accepted, his Lossing declared the Surrender at Yorktown Elizabeth Pryor recently viewed a letter mortification was so great that he told “the largest and best of his paintings.” (5/23/1836) at the University of Virginia in the men he sent to bring it away, to “Markie” Williams was living at Arlington which Charles Carter Lee wrote: “His throw it in the river. Some years after I during this period. In November, 1853, she (Custis’) grand Picture, the battle of was playing about in the court yard, in noted in her journal that the Yorktown Princeton is being exhibited in the rotunda the rear of the house, two colored men painting was finished. On March 6, 1854, of the Capitol, but if the public have brought out a large, brown greasy Markie recorded: neglected it, the pens of the little tribe of looking bundle. I found on inquiry (continued on page 3) scribblers have become as fretful at it as the that it was “Master big picture, he told

2 The Spectacle History Happenings (continued) AN IMPORTANT dear uncle and myself were out this The picture on which he is now at REMINDER morning by times superintending the work is the battle of Trenton. It is getting ready of the great picture to go almost finished and very fine. “The Please contact Delphine Gross no later than the to the Capitol. Uncle said last night Chief” (Washington) as the dear old 20th of each month with availability dates and times to be posted the following month (Please “Markie as you write such a bold hand, gentleman delights to call him is an call byNovember 20th with December I must ask you to write a card to admirable figure. Mr. Custis hopes to information). Even if you are a regularly accompany my picture. Just write said soon begin another picture, the “battle scheduled VIP please contact Delphine to confirm your availability. Again, the contact he “Surrender of York Town Oct. 19 of Monmouth.” He is quite number is (703) 235-1530 ext. 227. Please 1781. Designed and executed by GWP enthusiastic about “Molly Pitcher.” leave the dates and times you are available on the voice mail. Your cooperation is greatly Custis of Arlington.” Interestingly, on August 19, 1856, Markie appreciated. observed that Custis was “busily engaged in Markie’s journal notation, in addition to painting the feet of his large white horse in other sources, clearly indicates that the the battle of Trenton.” Surrender at Yorktown was the painting which was displayed in the Rotunda in 1854. Clearly additional research needs to be She also observed in January of the undertaken before any firm conclusions can following year that Monmouth was at be reached about which painting was Arlington. During the Civil War, Markie displayed in the Rotunda in the 1830s and “rescued” Monmouth from Arlington; the when the various battle scenes were painted. painting was stored at Tudor Place until it As further research is completed, perhaps we was returned to Arlington in the 1970s. will have answers to these perplexing questions. In the spring of 1856, Blanche Berard, a friend of Markie’s, visited Arlington House. In a Karen Kinzey, Historian letter (4/18/1856) to her mother, she noted:

From the Office Down the Hall (continued) National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior “Christmas Holiday” as we know it? magically, the Yorktown High School Although Arkansas recognized Christmas as Madrigal Choir will sing carols December an official holiday in 1836, the Federal holiday 11th. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee had to wait until Benjamin Harrison was Memorial is open seven day a week, every Arlington House was the home of Robert E. Lee and his family for thirty years and is uniquely President. day except Christmas and New Years Day— associated with the Washington and Custis so we still won’t get many Federal holidays. families. It is now preserved as a memorial to General Lee, who gained the respect of And Armistice Day (now Veteran’s Day) did But it is in true holiday spirit that I give Americans in both the North and the South. not really arrive—at least as a federal thanks to all our volunteers and staff that holiday—until 1954! work to keep Arlington House warm and Arlington House The Robert E. Lee Memorial alive—especially during the holiday season! c/o George Washington Memorial Parkway So, although the days grow short and the Turkey Run Park deer can only pine for the luscious beans and Kendell Thompson McLean, VA 22101 corn they so resolutely destroyed this Site Manager Phone summer, there will be music in the House this Arlington House, 703-235-1530 holiday season and we have much to give The Robert E. Lee Memorial Web Site thanks for. The Gilmore Light Ensemble will http://www.nps.gov/arho perform on Saturday, November 5 and,

The Spectacle online http://www.nps.gov/arho/tour/spectacle.html

The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

The Spectacle 3 Area Special Events

November 1-2 Lecture, “Yankee River, Rebel Shore: The reception and orientation dinner. Tour Living history encampment at Pitzer Woods Union Navy and Civil Insurrection Along the covers lower Valley sites at Winchester, and demonstrations on Little Round Top, Potomac and Rappahanock Rivers,” at the Kernstown, Middletown, Strasburg. $175 Gettysburg National Park, PA. Free. USS Constellation in Baltimore’s Inner (does not include lodging). For more info, 717-338-9114 or www.nps.gov/gett. Harbor. 2 pm. Free with admission. email [email protected] or call 540-535-3543. www.constellation.org. Reenactment and living history weekend in November 15 Stanardsville, VA, 20 miles north of Two-hour guided tour of part of the Brandy Living history walking tour, “Courage! The Charlottesville off Route 29. Details: Station battlefield. Begins 10 am at the Civil War in Washington,” explore the streets www.greeneva.com or 434-985-6663. Graffiti House Visitor Center (just off Route of the national capital with a “citizen.” Meets 29 north of Culpeper, VA) at 10 am. $5. at Cosi Coffee, 10th and “E” NW at 11 am. November 2 www.brandystationfoundation.com or $10 adults. www.historicstrolls.com or Artillery demonstrations at Fort Washington 540-547-4106. 301-588-9255. Park, MD (I-495, exit 3A). 1, 2 and 3 pm. Free with park admission. 301-763-4600 or Lantern Tours on the Hupp’s Hill battlefield Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk www.nps.gov/fowa. in Strasburg, VA. Tickets at the Stonewall over the Second Manassas Battlefield. Begins Jackson Museum at Hupp’s Hill. 7-9 pm. at noon at the visitor center. Free with park Living history, “The Ship’s Company,” naval 540-465-5884 or www.waysideofva.com/ fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. demonstrations, displays and models at Fort stonewalljackson. Ward in Alexandria, VA. Noon-4 pm. Free. November 15-16 www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848. Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk Symposium, “Great Controversies of the over the First Manassas Battlefield. Begins at Civil War,” sponsored by Pamplin Historical November 7-9 noon at the visitor center. Free with park fee. Park south of Petersburg, VA. Reservations, Reenactment and living history at Laurel 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. fee required. 877-PAMPLIN or Hill, VA, birthplace of J.E.B. Stuart. Music, www.pamplinpark.org civilian and military demonstrations, food, November 8-9 speakers and book signings. Battles at 1:30 Living history, “John Brown’s Legacy: Reenactment, annual event on the Cedar pm both Saturday and Sunday. Candlelight Beyond the Gallows,” special military and Creek Battlefield, south of Middletown, VA. tour and evening skirmish Saturday. Camps civilian programs at the Harpers Ferry Encampments, military and civilian open 10 am. Proceeds to benefit the National Historical Park, WV. Free with demonstrations and battles each day. More: Birthplace Trust. www.jebstuart.org. admission. 304-535-6029 or www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org or www.nps.gov/hafe. 888-628-1864. North-South Skirmish Association’s National Competition at Fort Shenandoah Living history and ranger programs at Living history, “John Brown Raid near Winchester, VA. Live-fire competitions Drewry’s Bluff, part of the Richmond Anniversary,” features portrayals of featuring all variety of vintage weapons. Free. National Battlefield Park, VA. 10 am-5 pm Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln at More info: www.n-ssa.org or 248-447-5909. Saturday, 10 am-4 pm Sunday. Free. the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 804-226-1981 or www.nps.gov/rich. WV. Free with admission. 304-535-6029 or Conference, “The Generals and their www.nps.gov/hafe. Presidents,” in Middleburg, VA. Sponsored November 9 by the Mosby Heritage Area. More info: Preservation Bike Ride to benefit the Living history encampments at the www.mosbyheritagearea.org or Kernstown Battlefield Foundation (near Pennsylvania Memorial, Gettysburg National 540-687-6681. Winchester, VA). Courses marked for 25- and Park, PA. Free. www.nps.gov/gett or 55-mile rides. Registration 9 am. Contact 717-338-9114. November 8 Larry Duncan at 540-662-1824 or email Tour, “Retreat from Gettysburg,” begins near [email protected]. Living history, “U.S. Sanitary Commission,” Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg, PA, ends in at the National Museum of Civil War Williamsport, MD. This is a “convoy tour” November 13-15 Medicine in Frederick, MD. 11 am-3 pm. Free following the course of the Confederate Bus Tour, “Stonewall Becomes Lee’s Right with admission. 301-695-1864 or “wagon train of woe.” $35. Details: Arm — The Jackson Valley Campaign of www.civilwarmed.org. www.grace-under-fire.us. 1862,” based in Winchester, VA. Includes

4 The Spectacle Area Special Events (continued)

November 21-22 Little Round Top. Also infantry living history VA. 10 pm. Free. 434-454-4312 or Civil War Ghost Walks, candlelight tours on encampments at the Pennsylvania Memorial www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org. the “battlefield” at Endview Plantation in and Spangler’s Spring, Gettysburg National Newport News, VA. 7-10 pm. $7. Park, PA. Free. 717-338-9114 or www.nps.gov/ Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk 757-887-1862 or www.endview.org. gett. over the Second Manassas Battlefield. Begins at noon at the visitor center. Free with park November 21-23 November 23 fee. 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. Seminar and Tours, “The Irish and Germans Bus tour, “Petersburg’s Western Front” in the Civil War,” includes lectures, tours of ranger-led tour includes visits to Fort Special program, “Ghost Stories around the Gettysburg, Antietam, some meals, music. Stedman, Dinwiddie Court House, Five Campfire,” Lee Hall in Newport News, VA. 7 Based in Chambersburg, PA. Details: email Forks and much more. Leaves from the pm. $7. 757-888-3371 or www.leehall.org. [email protected] or 717-264-7101. Petersburg National Battlefield’s (VA) visitor center 9:30 am, returns 5 pm. Bring bag lunch November 29-30 November 22 or purchase Sunday buffet on the tour. $30 Living history, “The Eyes of the Army: The Tours, ranger-led, in-depth tours of the does not include lunch. Reservations Cavalry Factor,” special demonstrations and 1 Monocacy battlefield at the Monocacy required. 804-732-3531 extension 206. pm firing drills at the Harpers Ferry National National Battlefield near Frederick, MD. Historical Park, WV. Free with admission. Free. Details: www.nps.gov/mono or Special tours, “Tales of the Spirits,” spooky 304-535-6029 or www.nps.gov/hafe. 301-662-3515 stories at the Surratt House Museum in Clinton, MD. Tours 5-9 pm. Special program Civil War show, Gettysburg Fall Show at the Two-hour guided tour of part of the Brandy 7:30 pm. First come, first served. Details: All Star Events Complex, Business Route 15 Station battlefield. Begins 10 am at the www.surratt.org or 301-868-1121. south of town. 9 am-5 pm Saturday, 9 am-3 Graffiti House Visitor Center (just off Route pm Sunday. 717-642-6600. 29 north of Culpeper, VA) at 10 am. $5. November 28 www.brandystationfoundation.com or Living history tours, “The Spirited Past of Living history, “Signal Corps,” 540-547-4106 . Manassas,” 5-9 pm. $10. Details: demonstrations at the Antietam National www.manassasmuseum.org or 703-368-1873. Battlefield (MD) at 1 pm each day. Free with Walking tours and living history, “Spirits of admission. 301-432-5124 or www.nps.gov/anti New Market,” scary living history lantern November 28-29 tours of the New Market (VA) battlefield Civil War Ghost Walk at the Exchange Hotel Special program, “Getting the Message leave every half hour from the Hall of Valor Civil War Museum in Gordonsville, VA. Through,” Signal Corps activities with Museum 7-8:30 pm. $10 adult/$5 children. Details: 540-832-2944. simultaneous demonstrations at Washington Living history during the day with camp life Monument State Park (South Mountain) and military demonstrations. 866-515-1864 or November 29 near Boonsboro, MD and the Antietam www.vmi.edu/newmarket. Civil War Symposium. 19th-century popular National Battlefield. 1 pm both days. Free. banjo and violin music performed on 301-432-8065. Special event, “The Haunting of Liberia authentic instruments, 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Plantation,” part of the Manasssas Museum Clara Barton living history, 1-2 pm. Lecture Living history, “The Battlefield Embalmer: System, VA. Moonlight and lantern tours of and exhibit on John Brown’s Raid on Preserving the Civil War Dead,” at the the grounds with strange tales thrown in. Harpers Ferry, 2-2:30 pm. All at the C. Burr National Museum of Civil War Medicine in 5:30-9 pm. $15 advance/$20 at the door. Artz Public Library in Frederick, MD. Free. Frederick, MD. 11 am-3 pm. Free with www.manassasmuseum.org or 703-368-1873. 301-694-1368. admission. 301-695-1864 or www.civilwarmed.org. Battlefield Hike, ranger-led five-hour walk Living history, “Haunted Cave Tours,” over the First Manassas Battlefield. Begins at includes Civil War at the Stonewall Jackson noon at the visitor center. Free with park fee. Museum at Hupp’s Hill in Strasburg, VA. Fee 703-361-1339 or www.nps.gov/mana. charged. 540-465-5884 or www.waysideofva.com/stonewalljackson. November 22-23 Annual U.S. Sharpshooter’s Living history Haunted Harvest Hayride at the Staunton weekend — programs at Pitzer Woods and River Battlefield State Park near Randolph,

The Spectacle 5 Significant Historic Events in November

November, 1833 impatience at his lack of money. Many of the George and Martha Washington raised, North Point, or Baltimore Defended, a play by buildings, roads and fences had been GWP and Eleanor “Nellie” Custis, the two GWP Custis is about the bombardment of repaired, and by winter there would be a new younger children. Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, was slate roof on the house and a new gravel one produced in Baltimore after Mr. Custis had on the stable. The mill and the overseer’s November 5, 1873 rewritten it. Fireworks may have “played a house were put back in repair, and stone Mrs. Robert E. ( Mary Anna Randolph large part in the climatic scenes.” foundations were laid for a new barn. Custis) Lee, 65, died at Lexington, Virginia, 92 years to the day after the death of her November, 1834 November, 1861 grandfather, Jack Custis. Her daughter Mrs. Custis took the steamboat to Old Point A United States Army surgeon wrote that Agnes had died on October 15, and according Comfort (Fort Monroe), Virginia after the vandalism he had witnessed, “it was to Mildred Lee, she never “railed from this to bring home her daughter and her first a pleasurable relief to find [at Arlington blow.” grandchild. Robert. E. Lee returned to House]… respect for the property and Arlington later in the month to assume his furniture…[T]he walls of almost every room November 6, 1850 duties as assistant to General Charles in the immense old building are covered with GWP Custis “escorted Edmond Lafayette, Gratiot, Chief of Engineers, in Washington. the rich paintings and old family pictures.” grandson of the Marquis, to Mount Vernon, where he showed him about and told him the November, 1835 tales of the old days there.” GWP Custis sent historian Jared Sparks the November, 1845 (late) Wollaston portrait of Martha Washington Eight-year-old W.H.F. “Rooney” Lee cut off November 6, 1860 and the Houdon bas-relief of Washington so two of his fingertips—one down to the first Abraham Lincoln was elected President of that they might be copied and then published joint—while playing with a straw cutter at the the United States. His election was a catalyst in Spark’s edition of George Washington Lee’s home in Fort Hamilton, New York. for increased secessionist activity in the letters. Custis suggested that the portraits be Mrs. Lee postponed her planned trip to South. Commenting on the election, the exhibited in a Boston gallery to help raise Arlington. Lee himself was gravely Charleston Mercury said, “the tea has been money for the Bunker Hill monument then concerned that if the fingertips could not be thrown overboard, the revolution of 1860 has under construction. successfully reattached, Rooney would be been initiated.” maimed for life. Though surgery was November, 1851 unsuccessful, the fingers eventually healed so November 8, 1864 The 125-foot steam ferry, George Washington well that they were virtually unnoticed and One of the last hopes for a negotiated Parke Custis, was launched from a prove no handicap to Roony’s future careers. settlement of the War and Confederate Washington shipyard. Expressly designed to independence was dashed by the re-election navigate the shallow waters of the Potomac November 1, 1829 of Abraham Lincoln as President of the near Arlington, the Custis was flat-bottomed Brevet Second Lieutenant Roberts E. Lee United States. Lincoln received more than and drew only one foot of water. During the arrived in Savannah, Georgia. His 55% of the popular vote and ten times the Civil War the United States Navy stripped the assignment, his first since graduating from electoral votes of his Democratic opponent, ferry of its engines and boilers and West Point, was to assist in the construction Major General George B. McClellan. transformed it into a floating ascension deck of a fort on Cockspur Island—later named for observation balloons—the first such Fort Pulaski—for the defense of the city. Lee November 10, 1785 vessel in the world. worked at Cockspur until April 21, 1831, when George Washington wrote in a private letter he was assigned to Old Point Comfort (Fort that both Nellie Custis, 6, and GWP Custis, 4, November, 1855 Monroe), Virginia. were “promising children” but that the boy The renovation of the White Parlor was was ‘ a remarkable fine one, and my intention nearly complete, and Lee writing from Fort November 5, 1781 is to give him a liberal education; the Riley, suggested that a view of (or from) West John Parke “Jack(ey)” Custis died of “camp rudiments of which, shall, if I live, be in my Point should be hung in that room. fever” at “Eltham” near Yorktown shortly won family.” after the British surrender on October 19. November, 1858 According to family tradition, General November 10, 1850 The improvements at Arlington begun by Washington said, “Form this moment I adopt The German artist Emanuel Leutze thanked Robert E. Lee were all under way despite his his two youngest children as my own.” GWP Custis for his “most valuable (continued on page 7)

6 The Spectacle Significant Historic Events in November (continued) communications” about George described her second child, Mary Lee Custis, good.” Washington’s army at the time of the Battle as “a clear brunette with brown hair, very of Trenton. Leutze was at work painting fine large black eyes, and a perfect little In the same letter Lee expressed regret that “Washington Crossing the Delaware”—one mouth and respectable nose and is perfectly Montgomery Meigs had been removed from of the most famous and inaccurate of all fat and healthy.” She also mentioned, his engineering position in Washington historical paintings—and promised to send however, that she had been bedridden for because of what Lee believed to be a feud Custis a drawing or a daguerreotype of his almost four months after giving birth to between officers. “I know Meigs to be work when it was finished. Mary on July 12. capable and qualified.”

November 11,1857 November 22, 1918 November 25, 1963 Robert E. Lee, having obtained leave from Mary Custis Lee, 83, died at Homestead President John F. Kennedy was buried on the his command in Texas arrived back at Hotel, Hot Springs, Virginia eleven days after hillside below Arlington House after being Arlington, two and a half weeks after the the signing of the Armistice which ended assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November death of his father-in-law, GWP Custis. In World War I. 22. his memorandum book he wrote, “Found all sad, suffering and sick, and the chair of him November 24, 1809 November 27, 1855 who had always recd. me with kindness and In a notice published in the National Having finished court-martial duty at Fort affection—vacant.” Intelligencer, GWP Custis announced that Riley, Kansas, Lee received orders to sit on “in addition to the usual awards at the next another court-martial board at Carlisle November 12, 1810 sheep-shearing, the family that had made the Barracks, Pennsylvania. Since he was coming GWP Custis, writing to E.S. Logan, greatest quantity of clothing at home during back east, he had time to visit his family and described his efforts to aid the “little farmer” the previous year at the Arlington mill. The arrived at Arlington on the 26th. For the first in breeding and raising a native breed of same privilege would go also to the farmer time, Lee saw how the “big room” had been sheep. who had ‘manured the most land from his transformed into the White Parlor. own resources in the last 12 months’— November 15, 1796 perhaps the first award of its kind ever made November 28, 1862 George Washington wrote to his ward, GWP in America. There would also be a prize General Lee asked his wife to “arrange for Custis a student at the College of New Jersey awarded for the most practical ‘National the people whom I wish to liberate the 31 at Princeton: “It gives me pleasure to hear Military Dress’ displayed.” December…Perry, Billy and such of those as that you are agreeably fixed. I receive still are at the White House as wish it or who can more from the assurance you give of November 24, 1810 support themselves, must be included. attending closely to your studies. It is you The National Intelligencer published extracts Indeed I should like to include the whole list yourself who is to derive immediate benefit from an address of GWP Cusits in which he at Arlington, White House, and c., if it can be from there. Your country may do it advocated soil conservation, national self- done so as to finish the business.” hereafter.” sufficiency, a National Board of Agriculture, and an “Order of Washington” to recognize November 30, 1859 November 21, 1826 those who “shall do some good to mankind, Robert E. Lee arrived at Harper’s Ferry In an installment of his Recollection of either in the progress of national about noon to command troops ordered to Washington entitled “His Portrait,” GWP aggrandizement, or productive industry.” guard the arsenal from threatened attack Custis described the General’s appearance during and after the scheduled execution of and physique. “Most portraits of the November 24, 1860 John Brown on December 2 at Charlestown, General, he said, made him appear too bulky, From his post in Texas, Robert E. Lee wrote ten miles away. “At Harper’s Ferry nothing instead of tall and lean. Describing to his son Custis that the “Southern States more exciting happened than the arrival of Washington’s physical prowess as a seem to be in a convulsion and confidence in Brown’s body and its transshipment to horseman and athlete, he told how the their securities shaken. It is difficult to see Philadelphia.” Lee and the troops were General had once thrown a piece of slate the what will be the result, but I hope all will end returned to their respective stations on size and shape of a silver dollar across the well…My little personal troubles sink into December 12. “The country continued to Rappahannock River below Fredericksburg.” insignificance when I contemplate the debate bitterly the rights and wrongs of condition of the country, and I feel as if I Brown’s attempt, but the affair seems to have November 22, 1857 could easily lay down my life for its safety. affected Lee very little.” Writing to Harriet Talcott, Mrs. Lee But I also feel that would bring but little

The Spectacle 7 RECIPE OF THE MONTH VIP Trip

Tu rke y S o u p 1-2 ribs celery with leaves, roughly chopped The volunteer trip to the Appomattox About ½ c. parsley, chopped About 1 c. ham liquor, if available Court House National Historical Park has This recipe comes from the Lee Family 2c. half-and-half been rescheduled for this Spring. But we will 1-2 T. flour, if desired as thickening Cookbook, and is a good way to use those also be taking a small group of volunteers to Thanksgiving leftovers. According to the Appomattox on Saturday, November 19, cookbook this soup “would have been Break up carcass. .Cover with water and ham 2005. If you are interested in joining us on welcomed after the war by the many broth if used. Add onions and carrots and the 19th please leave a message for Delphine southerners, black and white, who were simmer at least 1 ½ hours. Add celery, simmer at (703) 235-1530 before November 5th. subsisting mostly on cornmeal, fatback, and about 1 hour more. Strain off broth. Discard molasses.” vegetables. Pull lean ham and turkey to This will be a day-long trip. We will leave The 19th century instructions are as follows: shreds and reserve; discard bones. If broth is from the OAB (Old Administration Building) The carcass of a turkey, a few pieces of lean not intensely flavored, cook down. Before at 8:00 AM and return around 7:30 PM. middling or ham, a few onion & perhaps a serving, return turkey and ham to broth and Appomattox is approximately three and a carrot, - an hour before dinner pour in a pint of add half-and-half. If thickening with flour, half hours from Arlington. The Park Service milk, having brought the milk to the boiling point stir in cold water to make a paste and stir into & stirred in a tablespoon of flour made to a pate will reimburse volunteers for their lunches. soup. Simmer, stirring occasionally, at least with a little milk if the milk is thin. Herbs if you You may also want to bring snacks for the have them & season with pepper & salt. If you 20 minutes. Correct seasoning. Put chopped ride home. have celery put it in after the onions, if parsley parsley in bottom of tureen or bowls and put in the tureen & pour soup on it – let it pour soup over. Serves about 10-12. simmer. Taken from The Robert E. Lee Famiy Cooking Remains of a 20 lb. turkey and Housekeeping Book About 3 qts. Water About 1 lb. country ham or bacon 2-3 medium onions, roughly chopped Contributed by Kara Walker 1-2 carrots, roughly chopped

Music at Arlington - Open House 2005

Mount Zion Baptist Church Mens Chorus Federal City Brass Band

8 The Spectacle November 2005 Arlington House VIP Calendar Syunday Myonda Tyuesda Wyednesda Tyhursda Fyrida Saturda 1 2 3 4 5 Kathie Lipovac Aaron LaRocca Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Marmie Edwards 12:30-4:30 12:00-3:00 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 9:30-4:00

Fred Hoffman Charlotte Aaron LaRocca Aaron LaRocca 1:00-4:00 Needham and 1:00-4:00 10:00-3:00 Elaine Street 10:30-1:00 Delia Rios 12:00-2:00 Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 Hope Flanagan 1:00-4:00 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman Fred Hoffman Elizabeth Pryor Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Aaron LaRocca 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 1:00-4:00 9:00-12:30 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-3:00

Andrew Strait Aaron LaRocca Elaine Street Laura Graham 1:30-4:30 12:00-3:00 10:30-1:00 12:00-4:00

Arlene Riley Gene Cross Aaron LaRocca 2:00-4:00 11:00-4:30 1:00-4:00 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Elene Paul Jo Schoolfield Kathie Lipovac Aaron LaRocca Walter DeGroot Joan Cashell Marmie Edwards 10:00-2:00 9:30-12:30 12:30-4:30 12:00-3:00 9:30-11:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-1:00

Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman Fred Hoffman Charlotte Laura Graham Aaron LaRocca 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 1:00-4:00 Needham and 12:00-4:00 10:00-3:00 Elaine Street Andrew Strait 10:30-1:00 Aaron LaRocca 1:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 Gene Cross 11:00-4:30 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Jim Pearson Fred Hoffman Kathie Lipovac Elizabeth Pryor Thanksgiving Joan Cashell Marmie Edwards 12:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 12:30-4:30 9:00-12:30 9:30-11:30 10:00-1:00

Andrew Strait Fred Hoffman Arlene Riley Aaron LaRocca Aaron LaRocca 1:30-4:30 1:00-4:00 2:00-4:00 1:00-4:00 10:00-3:00

Andrew Strait Delia Rios 9:30-12:30 12:00-3:30

Hope Flanagan 1:00-3:00 27 28 29 30 Elene Paul Jo Schoolfield Kathie Lipovac Aaron LaRocca 10:00-2:00 10:00-2:00 12:30-4:30 12:00-3:00

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

Supervisory Park Ranger Frank Cucurullo

Contributors Kendell Thompson Delphine Gross Karen Kinzey Kara Walker

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