Here is the rest of Norris' statement. Most of what he says can not be checked or verified (it's just his word against Lee) but the item I have highlighted can be checked-
"....After this my cousin and myself were sent to Hanover Court-House jail, my sister being sent to Richmond to an agent to be hired; we remained in jail about a week, when we were sent to Nelson county, where we were hired out by Gen. Lee’s agent to work on the Orange and Alexander railroad; we remained thus employed for about seven months, and were then sent to Alabama, and put to work on what is known as the Northeastern railroad; in January, 1863, we were sent to Richmond, from which place I finally made my escape through the rebel lines to freedom; I have nothing further to say; what I have stated is true in every particular, and I can at any time bring at least a dozen witnesses, both white and black, to substantiate my statements: I am at present employed by the Government; and am at work in the National Cemetery on Arlington Heights, where I can be found by those who desire further particulars; my sister referred to is at present employed by the French Minister at Washington, and will confirm my statement."
That statement is not true. He was given his freedom in December 1862 and instead of escaping "through the rebel lines to freedom" was given a pass to go through the lines by Gen. Custis Lee.
Of course, if you're trying to demonize Lee, the truth- "I was freed by General Lee and his son gave me a pass to go through the lines" -doesn't serve the purpose.
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War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Vol. 29, part 2, pp.158–159.