For weeks, reports had been rife that he had determined to adhere to the Federal Government in the approaching struggle.

Such an event, it was felt by all, would be a public calamity to Virginia; and the general joy may be imagined when it was known that Lee had resigned and come to fight with his own people.

He assumed command, therefore, of all the Virginia forces, in the midst of universal public rejoicing; and the fact gave strength and consistency to the general determination to resist the Federal Government to the last.
IX.
LEE IN 1861.
At this time--April, 1861--General Lee was fifty-four years of age, and may be said to have been in the ripe vigor of every faculty.
Physically and intellectually he was "at his best," and in the bloom of manhood.

His figure was erect, and he bore himself with the brief, somewhat stiff air of command derived from his military education and service in the army.

This air of the professional soldier, which characterized generally the graduates of West Point, was replaced afterward by a grave dignity, the result of high command and great responsibilities.