Q. Do you not think that the question as to whether any Southern State would allow the colored people the right of suffrage in order to increase representation would depend a good deal on the amount which the colored people might contribute to the wealth of the State, in order to secure two things—­first, the larger representation, and, second, the influence desired from those persons voting?

A. I think they would determine the question more in reference to their opinion as to the manner in which those votes would be exercised, whether they consider those people qualified to vote; my own opinion is, that at this time they cannot vote intelligently, and that giving them the right of suffrage would open the door to a good deal of demagogism, and lead to embarrassments in various ways; what the future may prove, how intelligent they may become, with what eyes they may look upon the interests of the State in which they may reside, I cannot say more than you can.

The above extract presents the main portion of General Lee’s testimony, and is certainly an admirable exposition of the clear good sense and frankness of the individual.  Once or twice there is obviously an under-current of dry satire, as in his replies upon the subject of the Confederate bonds.  When asked whether he remembered at what time these bonds were made payable, he replied that his “general recollection was, that they were made payable six months after a declaration of peace.”  The correction was at once made by his interrogator in the words “six months after the ratification of a treaty of peace” etc.  “I think they ran that way,” replied General Lee.  “So that,” retorted his interrogator, “the bonds are not yet due by their terms?” General Lee’s reply was, “I suppose, unless it is considered that there is a peace now, they are not due.”

This seems to have put an abrupt termination to the examination on that point.  To the question whether he had taken an oath of allegiance to the Confederate Government, he replied:  “I do not recollect having done so, but it is possible that when I was commissioned I did; I do not recollect whether it was required; if it was required, I took it, or if it had been required, I would have taken it.”

If this reply of General Lee be attentively weighed by the reader, some conception may be formed of the bitter pang which he must have experienced in sending in, as he did, to the Federal Government, his application for pardon.  The fact cannot be concealed that this proceeding on the part of General Lee was a subject of deep regret to the Southern people; but there can be no question that his motive was disinterested and noble, and that he presented, in so doing, the most remarkable evidence of the true greatness of his character.  He had no personal advantage to expect from a pardon; cared absolutely nothing whether he were “pardoned” or not; and to one so proud, and so thoroughly convinced