Not ‘Marse Robert!

[CSA Today]

"Just after the surrender Fitz Lee [Robert E. Lee's nephew] and some of his staff were riding along a country road, when they were hailed by a plain old farmer and asked "the news." They told him that there was "no news, except that General Lee has surrendered."

"That is a lie," the old man retorted. "You can't make me believe any such stuff." They assured him that it was true, when the old man replied, "No, it cannot be true. 'Marse Robert' would never surrender. But, I'll tell you how the report got out. It is that fellow Fitz Lee who has surrendered. He was all the time cavorting around where he had no business, and the Yankees have surrounded and captured him. But General Lee has not surrendered, and never will."

There were roars of laughter at the expense of "General Fitz," and he greatly enjoyed telling the joke after wards."

Source: "LIFE AND LETTERS OF ROBERT E. LEE SOLDIER AND MAN," by Rev. J. William Jones, DD, 1906.

Photo: General Fitz Lee

 

[CSA Today]

"Just after the surrender Fitz Lee [Robert E. Lee's nephew] and some of his staff were riding along a country road, when they were hailed by a plain old farmer and asked "the news." They told him that there was "no news, except that General Lee has surrendered."

"That is a lie," the old man retorted. "You can't make me believe any such stuff." They assured him that it was true, when the old man replied, "No, it cannot be true. 'Marse Robert' would never surrender. But, I'll tell you how the report got out. It is that fellow Fitz Lee who has surrendered. He was all the time cavorting around where he had no business, and the Yankees have surrounded and captured him. But General Lee has not surrendered, and never will."

There were roars of laughter at the expense of "General Fitz," and he greatly enjoyed telling the joke after wards."

Source: "LIFE AND LETTERS OF ROBERT E. LEE SOLDIER AND MAN," by Rev. J. William Jones, DD, 1906.

Photo: General Fitz Lee

 

[Patrick H]

That's an excellent story. I'm glad you posted it!

 

[hanna260]

Nice to know Fitz Lee had a sense of humor.

 

[rhettbutler1865]

Always love to hear these personal tales--Thanks!

 

[Union_Buff]

Love the story - thanks for posting it

 

[Northern Light]

Is "Marse" a corruption of "mister"?

 

[CMWinkler]

Is "Marse" a corruption of "mister"?

No, a corruption of Master.

 

[Northern Light]

No, a corruption of Master.

That's what I thought, but I was confused as to why non-slaves would use this term. Can you explain this for me?

 

[CMWinkler]

That's what I thought, but I was confused as to why non-slaves would use this term. Can you explain this for me?

It was used as an expression of affection and admiration to show they held him in respect.

 

[Northern Light]

It was used as an expression of affection and admiration to show they held him in respect.

Oh! Thanks for your answer!