Their final action seems to have been taken from the same considerations which controlled the course of Lee.

Their States called them, and they obeyed.
In resigning his commission and going over to the South, Lee sacrificed his private fortunes, in addition to all his hopes of future promotion in the United States Army.

His beautiful home, Arlington, situated upon the heights opposite Washington, must be abandoned forever, and fall into the hands of the enemy.

This old mansion was a model of peaceful loveliness and attraction.

"All around here," says a writer, describing the place, "Arlington Heights presents a lovely picture of rural beauty.