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Lee, Robert E. - Restoration of Citizenship Bill
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1563047
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Lee, Robert E. - Restoration of Citizenship Bill
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John O. Marsh Files (Ford Administration)
John Marsh's General Subject Files
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American Civil War, 1861-1865
Civil rights
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The original documents are located in Box 20, folder "Lee, Robert E. - Restoration of
Citizenship Bill" of the John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald R. Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 20 of The John Marsh Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
written 28,1865
Quotation from Speech made at Washington College following
Civil War, do not have that quotation has a better pne that sill
serve your purposes. There is no recorded speech
Letter written by Lee Letcher, War time governor of Virginia
"The interests of the state are therefore the same of those of
the United States. Its propsertiy will rise or fall with the welfare
of the country. The duty of its citizens, then, appears to me
tooplain abliverate to admit of doubt. All should unite in honest efforts
to oliberviate the effects of war, and to restore the blessings of
peace. They should remain in the country; promote harmony
and good feeling. I have envirably recommended this course
and have endeavored to practice it myself."
Letter written to a former Conferate veteran who was questioning 7,1865
Lee's willingness to sign the Oth of Allegiance.
Sept of1865
"The War being at an end, the southern state having laid down
their arms, and the questions afxx at issue between them
and the northern states having been decided, I believe it
to be the duty of everyone to unit in the restoration of the country
dissipation
and the restablishenent of peace and harmony
it appears to
me that the Allayment of passion, the dissapion of preis predi.
and the restoration of reason, will alone enable the people of the
country to acquire a true knowldege and form a correct judgment
of the events of the past years. "
GERALD R. LIBRARY FORD
Quote from Letter written by Lee to former Confederate veteran
who was questioning Lee's willingness to sign the Oath of Allegiance,
written September 7, 1865:
"The War being at an end, the Southern States having laid down
their arms, and the questions at issue between them and the Northern
States having been decided, I believe it to be the duty of everyone to
unite in the restoration of the country and the re-establishment of
peace and harmony
it appears to me that the Allayment of
passion, the dissipation of prejudices and the restoration of
reason, will alone
Quote from Letter written by Lee to former Confederate veteran
who was questioning Lee's willingness to sign the Oath of Allegiance:
written September 7, 1865:
"The War being at an end, the Southern States having laid down
their arms, and the questions at issue between them and the Northern
States having been decided, I believe it to be the duty of everyone to
unite in the restoration of the country and the re-establishment of
peace and harmony
it appears to me that the Allayment of
passion, the dissipation of prejudices and the restoration of
reason, will alone enable the people of the country to acquire a true
knowledge and form a correct judgment of the ewents of tge past
years. 11
Letter from Lee to Governor Letcher August 28, 1865:
"The interests of the state are therefore the same as those of the
United States. Its prosperity will rise or fall with the welfare of
the country. The duty of its citizens, then, appears to me too
plain to admit of doubt. All should unite in honest efforts to
obliterate the effects of war, and to restore the blessings of
peace.
They should remain in the country; promote harmony
and good feeling
...
I have invariably recommended this course
and have endeavored to practice it myself."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jor or ( e
all caps
sold 1.20 E.O. conf
coal of alls
of 06 922
roatly alleyea
5x sinder cards
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
suparate card -
Confederate Soldien
Letter written by Lee to a former Examperse veteran who was
questioning Lee's willingness to sign the Oath of Allegiance:
September 7, 1865:
"The War being at an end, the Southern States having laid down
their arms, and the questions at issue between them and the
Northern States having been decided, I believe it to be the
duty of everyone to unitein the restoration of the country and
the reestablishment of peace and harmony
it appears to me
that the Kllayment of passion, the dissipation of prejudices
and the restoration of reason, will alone enable the people of
the country to acquire a true knowledge and form a correct
judgment of the events of the past years.
Letter written by betk Lee August
Letter written by Lee September 7, 1865 to a former Confererate
soldier concerning his signing the Oath of Allegiance:
LETTER WRITTEN BY LEE SEPTEMBER 7, 1865 TO A FORMER
CONFEDERATE SOLDIER CONCERNING HIS SIGNING THE OATH OF
ALLEGIANCE:
"THE WAR BEING AT AN END, THE SOUTHERN STATES HAVING
LAID DOWN THEIR ARMS, AND THE QUESTIONS AT ISSUE BETWEEN
THEM AND THE NORTHERN STATES HAVING BEEN DECIDED;
I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE DUTY OF EVERYONE TO UNITE IN THE
RESTORATION OF THE COUNTRY AND THE REESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE
AND HARMONY
11
LETTER FROM LEE TO GOVERNOR LETCHER - - AUGUST 28, 1865:
"THE INTERESTS OF THE STATE ARE THEREFORE THE SAME AS THOSE
OF THE UNITED STATES.
ITS PROSPERITY WILL RISE OR FALL WITH THE
WELFARE OF THE COUNTRY.
THE DUTY OF ITS CITIZENS, THEN, APPEARS
TO ME TOO PLAIN TO ADMIT OF DOUBT.
ALL SHOULD UNITE IN HONEST EFFORTS TO OBLITERATE THE EFFECTS OF
WAR, AND TO RESTORE THE BLESSINGS OF PEACE."
NOTE: Butler wants
to personally drop off
the signed document to
Washington & Lee University.
is
FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
R-
Lee
Letters
States M
FORD is LIBRARY 078830
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MR. MARSH:
The attached are the letters re the Robert E.
Lee bill. They've all been checked and are
okay to send.
Did you want to personally take in the printed
copies of the bill for the President to autograph?
Yes
No
Send them in via Jim Connor
?
Yes
No
Thanks.
Connie
(NOTE: You had previously said that you'd
like to have the President sign the bills rather
than the letters and the bills.)
5) Members of the Lee Family
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Lee, IV
Master Robert E. Lee, V
8459 Brook Road
Mc Lean, Virginia 22101
Mr. Robert de Butts, Jr.
Master William de Butts
402 Virginia Avenue 22302
Mrs. A. Smith Bowman
Sunset Hills, Virginia 22090
15tame
Miss Mary Custis Lee Spencer
Miss Martha Richardson Spencer
Upperville, Virginia 22176
chid
6) Private citizen who originally pressed bill
Mr. Elmer O. Parker
2627 Parkwood Drive
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
7) Others citizens
Ted
Honorable Theodore C. Marrs
3441 Rose Lane
Falls Church, Virginia 20042
Honorable Clem Conger
Cler
320 Mansion Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
Dr. Robert Huntley
President
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Mrs. Elden M. Jett
President
United Daughters of the Confederacy
506 Manor Road
Independence, Missouri 64055
8) Institutions
Sid
Major General Sidney B. Berry
Superintendent, United States Military Academy
West Point, New York 10996
Good
maj. General Hen. George R E. L. Shell Orby.
Superintendent, Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Not convact perm
Mr. John Hughes
Lee Chapel
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Major General Edwin Dooley
Virginia Military Institute Civil War Museum
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Colonel Robert Patterson
*
Lee-Jackson Memorial
Citizens Commonwealth Center Building
Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
*
Suggested by Clem Conger.
Mr. James Redmond
*
Arlington House
The Robert E. Lee Memorial
Arlington National Cemetary
Turkey Run Park
McLean, Virginia 22101
Mr. Donald J. Orth
*
Arlington Historical Museum
P.O. Box 402
Arlington, Virginia 22210
mn
Kurt E. Brandenburg
Museum of the Confederacy
**
1201 Clav Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Mr
Kurt E. Brandenburg
Robert E. Lee House
708 E. Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Mr
John M. Jennings
The Virginia Historical Society
***
428 North Boulevard
Richmond, Virginia 23221
Mrs. Joseph H. Gardner, President
Stratford Hall
Robert E. Lee Memorial Association
Stratford, Virginia 22558
*
Suggested by Clem Conger
**
This is the White House of the Confederacy
***
Battle Abbey located here.
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 17, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO: JOHN MARSH
VIA:
PAUL THEIS at
aw
FROM:
AGNES WALDRON
SUBJECT:
LEE CITIZENSHIP LEGISLATION
The following is the information you requested so that the
President can send personally autographed copies of the Lee Citizen-
ship bill to interested parties:
1) Virginia Congressional Delegation
Have
Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
sen
2801 New Mexico Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20007
Bid
Honorable William Lloyd Scott
3930 West Ox Road
sen
Fairfax, Virginia 22067
Dank
Honorable WE (Dan) Daniel
520 N Street S.W.
House
Washington, D.C. 20024
Honorable Robert W. Daniel, Jr.
Bob
House
700 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
GERALD FORD
2
Honorable Joseph L. Fisher
2601 North 24th Street
House
Arlington, Virginia 22207
Honorable J. Kenneth Robinson
You
112 North Cameron Street
House
Winchester, Virginia 22601
13.21.
Honorable William C. Wampler
110 D Street, S.E.
House
Washington, D.C. 20003
M.
calama
Honorable Caldwell Butler
110 D Street, S.E.
House
Washington, D.C. 20003
in
Have
Honorable Herbert Harris II House
9106 Mount Vernon Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22309
wi
Dave
Honorable David Satterfield III House
Fil St. Christopher's Road
Richmond, Virginia 23226
Tom
Honorable Thomas N. Downing
27 Indigo Dam Road
House
Newport News, Virginia 23606
FORD in GERATO LIBRARY
3
9) Sponsors of the Legislation *
SJR 23
Honorable Mike Gravel
705 Muirfield Circle
SeN
Oxon Hill, Maryland
A.
Honorable Jesse Helms
2820 South Joyce Street
sen
Arlington, Virginia 22202
Monorable Hubert H. Humphrey
550 N Street, S.W.
sen
Washington, D.C. 20024
Monorable Strom Thurmond
6015 Claiborne Drive
Sen
McLean, Virginia 22101
Monorable John Tower
4100 Cathedral Avenue, N.W.
sen
Washington, D.C. 20016
McC.
Mac
Honorable Charles MB Mathias, Jr.
seN
3808 Leland Street
Chevy Chase, Maryland
*
In addition to Senator Harry F. Bryd, Jr.
HJ Resolution was sponsored by the following:
Monorable Ken/Heckler
242 Cannon Office Building
Hens'
Washington, D.C. 20515
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
4
Dave
Honorable David R. Bowen
1668 Avon Place, N.W.
House
Washington, D.C. 20007
0
Honorable Ramano L. Mazzoli
*
House.
Ron {
1212 Longworth Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
ash
max max
FORD is 07V830 LIBRARY
* No home address could be found
NB. Resolutions were also offered by Congressmen Downing
and Harris on the Virginia delegation list.
2) Governors and Former Governors of Virginia
Honorable Mills Godwin
mills
Governor of Virginia
Executive Mansion
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Honorable Linwood Holton
LiN
6010 Claiborne Drive
McLean, Virginia 22101
Colgate
Honorable Colgate Darden
7438 Flicker Point
Algonquin Park
Norfolk, Virginia 23505
3) Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates
Honorable John Warren Cooke
Speaker of the House of Delegates
Richmond, Virginia 23219
4) Governors of the Southern States
Honorable George C. Wallace
*
Governor of Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama
Honorable David Pryor
130
Governor of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas
Shen
Honorable Sherman W. Tribbitt
Governor of Deleware
Dover, Deleware
Rabin
Honorable Reubin Askew
*
Governor of Florida
Tallahassee, Florida
George
Honorable George Busbee
Governor of Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Honorable Wendell H. Ford
Governor of Kentucky
Frankfort, Kentucky
Honorable Edwin W. Edwards
*
qd
Governor of Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Marving
Hónorable Marvin Mandel
Governor of Maryland
Annapolis, Maryland
Honorable William L. Waller
Bill
Governor of Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Honorable Christopher S. Bond
Chris
Governor of Missouri
Jefferson City, Missouri
Honorable James E. Holshouser
*
Jim
Governor of North Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Honorable James B. Edwards
*
Governor of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Honorable Ray Blanton
*
Governor of Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Honorable Dolph Briscoe
*
Dolp2/
Governor of Texas
Austin, Texas
Virginia Governor in Item 2.
*
Confederate State
[Ang 1975]
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I am pleased today to sign S. J. Res. 23, restoring posthumously
the long overdue full rights of citizenship to General Robert E. Lee.
The signing of this bill corrects an oversight which occurred in
history over a 100 years ago.
It is significant that this bill be signed at this place. It is fitting
character
that this citizenship be restored because Lee in his charter and
are
service after the war demonstrated that we our one Nation and one
people. Although his dedication to his native state would chart his
course for the bitter war years because of it it caused him to
reluctantly resign from the United States Army in which he had had
a distinguished career. Nevertheless, Lee believed that once the
war was over, it could no longer be north vs. south and state against
state. He advocated by example as a college President a dedication
that the citizens of his state and his region should dedicate their
efforts to rebuilding the south as a strong and vital part of the
FORD & GREATO LIBRARY
American Union. As a soldier he left his mark on military strategy.
As a man he stood as a symbol of valor and duty, and as an educator
he appealed to reason and learning to achieving understanding and to
building a stronger nation. The course he chose after the war became
a symbol to all those who had marched with him in the bitter years to
chacter characta
Appomattox. His charter has been an example to succeeding generations
of Americans that makes the restoration of his citizenship an event
in which every American can take pride.
General Lee was a widely respected leader whose
J.M.
Most
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
today
I am pleased to have signed daily S.J. Res. 23, restoring
posthumously the long overdue full rights of citizenship to General
Robert insert E. Lee.
leader
General Lee was a widely respected military figure whose
He played a Part, every AM nificent role an unifying the nation
dedication to duty has never been questioned. During nis
in
distinguished career, he honorably served both the United States
The
and his native State of Virginia. However, as a result of his
years
service as General of the Army of Northern Virginia after having
served in the Union Army, his full rights of citizenship had
been forfeited. He faced defeat at the close of the Civil War
with dignity and he later humbly sought to regain his full
rights of citizenship in accordance with the Proclamations of
Amnesty issued by President Andrew Johnson.
This resolution responds to the formal application of
General Lee to the President on June 13, 1865, for the restoration
of full rights of citizenship. Although his petition was
endorsed by General Grant and forwarded to President Andrew
Johnson through the Secretary of War, General Lee's application
FOR
did not include his oath of allegiance because notice of this
BERALD
additional requirement had not reached him before he forwarded
the application. Upon his inauguration as President of Washington
College on October 2, 1865, General Lee executed a notarized
oath of allegiance. However, his application was never acted
upon by the President, apparently because the oath of allegiance
was lost. It was discovered in the National Archives more than
100 years later in 1970.
.1
passing and approving this joint resolution, the Congress
has
removed the legal disabilities placed
upon General Lee as : result of his Civil War military service.
I am delighted to sign
resolution 10mg
#
FORD is LIBRARY 07V830
AUG 4 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 8/2/75
TO:
Jack Marsh
FROM: Max L. Friedersdorf
For Your Information X
Please Handle
Please See Me
Comments, Please
Other
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 2, 1975
Dear Jim:
Many thanks for your kind letter concerning the Robert
E. Lee citizenship bill and the letter in your possession
written by Lee.
Having lived in Virginia for the past 14 years, I thoroughly
enjoyed Lee's touching letter.
The President plans to sign the Lee citizenship bill at
2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, at the Custis-Lee Mansion
in Arlington. You are cordially invited to attend the
event if possible.
With regard to the letter, I am not sure what the proper
approach should be. I will discuss this with Clem Conger,
the White House Curator to ascertain his views.
It is my personal view that to file away such a beautiful
letter in the White House archives would deprive many
people of the opportunity to view the letter.
It might be better displayed at one of the various Virginia
museums.
However, I'm sure the President would be pleased to receive
the letter if you and the Virginia delegation agreed.
With cordial regard.
Sincerely,
max
Max L. Friedersdorf
Assistant to the President
Honorable James W. Symington
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C. 20515
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 2, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
MAX L. FRIEDERSDORF
m.f.
SUBJECT:
Tiger Teague
Tiger Teague was taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital last
Wednesday after suffering an apparent stroke.
Flowers from the President were sent and Tiger called me
today to thank the President and indicate he expects to
be in the hospital at least a month.
Tiger said his left arm is paralyzed and he is having
speech difficulty.
He said the flowers really cheered him up.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
TO:
Jack Marsh
FROM: PAUL THEIS of
Attached are proposed remarks
for the President to use in signing
the Resolution restoring General
Robert E. Lee's citizenship Tuesday
at 2:00 p.m. Could you let us have any
suggested changes as early as possible,
Tuesday a.m. ? Thanks.
P.S. our Research offer is
stree Trying h locath The w.t
L. quote. We did ford The
No. Va. army forewell - hit
it's not usable Copy attached
CLEARANCE FORM FOR PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH MATERIAL
TO:
THE PRESIDENT
VIA:
ROBERT HARTMANN
FROM:
PAUL A. THEIS
SUBJECT:
Signing of S.J. Res. 23 -- Rights of Citizenship to
General Robert E. Lee
TIME, DATE AND PLACE OF PRESIDENTIAL USE: 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 5, 1975 -- Lee Mansion, Arlington Nat. Cemetery
SPEECHWRITER:
Domestic Council/Rousek
EDITED BY:
Paul Theis
BASIC RESEARCH/SPEECH MATERIAL SUPPLIED BY:
Domestic Council
CLEARED BY (Please initial):
(Staffed by Domestic Council)
(X) OPERATIONS (Rumsfeld)
(x) CONGRESSIONAL/PUBLIC LIAISON (Marsh)
(X) PRESS (Nessen)
( ) LEGAL (Buchen)
( ) ECONOMIC POLICY BOARD (Seidman)
( ) OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (Lynn)
(X) DOMESTIC COUNCIL (Cannon)
( ) NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL (Scowcroft)
(X) RESEARCH (Waldron)
(x) MARGITA WHITE (FYI)
( ) ENERGY RESOURCES COUNCIL (Zarb)
( ) COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS (Greenspan)
( ) OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON (Baroody)
(X) JERRY JONES
(X) JUDY JOHNSON (FYI)
SIGNING OF S.J. RES. 23
RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP TO GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1975
- 1 -
I AM PLEASED TO SIGN S. J. RES. 23, RESTORING
POSTHUMOUSLY THE LONG OVERDUE FULL RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP TO
GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE.
THIS LEGISLATION CORRECTS A 110 YEAR-OLD OVERSIGHT
OF HISTORY. IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT IT BE SIGNED AT THIS PLACE.
135 daying a month back
aswal
THE WHITE,HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Paul -
n
1) n brund up
2) Lee quote to
WYC students -
after was "fers daty
is to thendies n
1) Frank Packers with
will U.-
4
- -2- -
LEE'S DEDICATION TO HIS NATIVE STATE OF IRGINIA
CHARTED HIS COURSE FOR THE BITTER CIVIL WAR YEARS, CAUSING HIM
TO RELUCTANTLY RESIGN FROM A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN THE
UNITED STATES ARMY AND TO SERVE AS GENERAL OF THE ARMY OF
NORTHERN VIRGINIA.
HE THUS FORFEITED HIS RIGHTS TO
U.S. CITIZENSHIP.
- 3 -
ONCE THE WAR WAS OVER, HOWEVER, HE FIRMLY FELT THE WOUNDS
OF NORTH AND SOUTH MUST BE BOUND UP.
HE SOUGHT TO SHOW
BY EXAMPLE THAT THE CITIZENS OF THE SOUTH MUST DEDICATE THEIR
EFFORTS TO REBUILDING THAT REGION OF THE COUNTRY AS A STRONG
AND VITAL PART OF THE AMERICAN UNION.
- 4- -
THIS RESOLUTION RESPONDS TO THE FORMAL APPLICATION OF
GENERAL LEE TO PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON ON JUNE 13, 1865,
FOR THE RESTORATION OF FULL RIGHTS OF CITIZENSHIP.
-5-
ALTHOUGH HIS PETITION WAS ENDORSED BY GENERAL GRANT AND
FORWARDED TO THE PRESIDENT THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF WAR, AN
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE WAS NOT ATTACHED BECAUSE NOTICE OF THIS
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT HAD NOT REACHED LEE IN TIME.
- 6 -
LATER, AFTER HIS INAUGURATION AS PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON
COLLEGE ON OCTOBER 2, 1865, LEE EXECUTED A NOTARIZED OATH OF
ALLEGIANCE. AGAIN, HIS APPLICATION WAS NOT ACTED UPON
BECAUSE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE WAS APPARENTLY LOST.
IT WAS FINALLY DISCOVERED IN THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES IN 1970.
- 7 -
AS A SOLDIER, GENERAL LEE LEFT HIS MARK ON MILITARY
STRATEGY. AS A MAN, HE STOOD AS A SYMBOL OF VALOR AND DUTY.
AS AN EDUCATOR, HE APPEALED TO REASON AND LEARNING TO ACHIEVE
UNDERSTANDING AND TO BUILD A STRONGER NATION.
THE COURSE HE
CHOSE AFTER THE WAR BECAME A SYMBOL TO ALL THOSE WHO HAD MARCHED
WITH HIM IN THE BITTER YEARS TOWARD APPOMATTOX.
- -8- 8
CHARACTER
GENERAL LEE'S CHARTER HAS BEEN AN EXAMPLE TO SUCCEEDING
GENERATIONS, MAKING THE RESTORATION OF HIS CITIZENSHIP AN
EVENT IN WHICH EVERY AMERICAN CAN TAKE PRIDE.
- 9 -
IN APPROVING THIS JOINT RESOLUTION, THE CONGRESS REMOVED
THE LEGAL OBSTACLES TO CITIZENSHIP WHICH RESULTED FROM GENERAL
LEE'S CIVIL WAR SERVICE. ALTHOUGH MORE THAN A CENTURY LATE,
I AM DELIGHTED TO SIGN THIS RESOLUTION AND COMPLETE THE ACTION
WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN IN 1865.
END OF TEXT
SELVES
HOW AND WHY WE FOUGHT
399
and
wore a soldier's blouse for a coat, with the shoulder straps of my rank to
any
indicate to the army who I was. When I went into the house I found
the
General Lee. We greeted each other, and after shaking hands took our
judged.
seats. I had my staff with me, a good portion of whom were in the room
been
during the whole of the interview.
What General Lec's feelings were I do not know. As he was a man of
of
much dignity, with an impassible face, it was impossible to say whether
by
he felt inwardly glad that the end had finally come, or felt sad over the
is
result, and was too manly to show it. Whatever his feelings, they were
come,
entirely concealed from my observation; but my own feelings, which had
wills
been quite jubilant on the receipt of his letter, were sad and depressed.
war,
I felt like anything rather than rejoicing at the downfall of a foe who
iscern
had fought so long and so valiantly.
in
GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT, Memoirs, 1885-86, of the
lo
we
meeting at Appomattox
if
The war is over-the rebels are our countrymen again.
until
GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT, stopping his men from cheer-
awn
be
ing after Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House,
April 9, 1864
the
After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and
fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to
overwhelming numbers and resources.
I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles, who have
remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to this result from
no distrust of them.
But, feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that
could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance
of the contest I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose
past services have endeared them to their countrymen.
By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their
homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfac-
tion that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed,
and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you His blessing
and protection.
With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your
country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consider-
ation for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE, General Order Number Nine
MEMORANDUM
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Kendall-
R.E.Lee
Cathy Finley (x 7054)
Customary
Glossy- photographic copies-
John Ratchford
they request
On the bill- - revenue side (auther,
facsimile fbill itall- -
This type of paper
MEMORANDUM
AUG 6 1975
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 6, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
Mr. Marsh
Mr. Friedersdorf
Mr. Loen
Mr. Kendall
Mr. Wolthuis
Mr. Cavanaugh
Mr. Hushen
The President, on August 5, approved:
BILL NO.
SUBJECT
SPONSOR
*
S.J. Res. 23
Citizenship for General Robert E.
Sen. Byrd (Ind. D)
Lee
of Virginia
* - Ceremony
D.Linder
Robert D. Linder
B. FORD LIBRASK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 5, 1975
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
AT THE
SIGNING CEREMONY FOR S.J. RES. 23,
RESTORATION OF CITIZENSHIP RIGHTS
TO GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE
LEE MANSION
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
LISA GERALD FORM
2:12 P.M. EDT
Governor Godwin, Senator Byrd, Congressman Butler,
Congressman Harris, Congressman Satterfield, Congressman
Downing and Congressman Daniel, distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen:
I am very pleased to sign Senate Joint Resolution 23
restoring posthumously the long overdue full rights of citizen-
ship to General Robert E. Lee. This legislation corrects a
110 year oversight of American history. It is significant
that it is signed at this place.
Lee's dedication to his native State of Virginia
chartered his course for the bitter Civil War years causing
him to reluctantly resign from a' distinguished career in
the United States Army and to serve as General of the Army
of Northern Virginia. He, thus, forfeited his right to
U.S. citizenship.
Once the war was over, he firmly felt the wounds
of the North and South must be bound up. He sought to show
by example that the citizens of the South must dedicate their
efforts to rebuilding that region of the country as a strong
and vital part of the American Union.
In 1865, Robert E. Lee wrote to a former Confederate
soldier concerning his signing the Oath of Allegiance, and
I quote, "This war, being at an end, the Southern States
having laid down their arms, and the questions at issue between
them and the Northern States having been decided, I believe
it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration
of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony."
MORE
- 2 -
This resolution passed by the Congress responds
to the formal application of General Lee to President Andrew
Johnson on June 13, 1865, for the restoration of his full
right of citizenship.
Although his petition was endorsed by General Grant
and forwarded to the President through the Secretary of War,
an Oath of Allegiance was not attached because notice of
this additional requirement had not reached Lee in time.
Later, after his inauguration as President of Washington
College on October 2, 1865, Lee executed a notarized Oath of
Allegiance. Again his application was not acted upon because
the Oath of Allegiance was apparently lost. It was finally
discovered in the National Archives in 1970.
As a soldier General Lee left his mark on military
strategy. As a man he stood as the symbol of valor and of
duty. As an educator, he appealed to reason and learning to
achieve understanding and to build a stronger nation. The
course he chose after the war became a symbol to all those
who had marched with him in the bitter years towards
Appomattox.
General Lee's character has been an example to
succeeding generations, making the restoration of his citizen-
ship an event in which every American can take pride.
In approving this Joint Resolution, the Congress
removed the legal obstacle to citizenship which resulted from
General Lee's Civil War service. Although more than a century
late, I am delighted to sign this Resolution and to complete
the full restoration of General Lee's citizenship.
END
(AT 2:17 P.M. EDT)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 7, 1975
JACK,
As you will recall, I asked John Ratchford to
provide us with 50 facsimile copies of S. J. Res. 23
(the Robert E. Lee document). The facsimile
will contain everything with the exception of the Presi-
dent's signature, and the certification on the back of
the document. We should receive the facsimiles
within ten days. At juncture a determination
will be made as to whether or not the President
signs each of these documents personally or whether
we have it done by machine. Both Bill and Charlie
will add any names they can come up with to our
basic list, which already includes the Virginia
Congressional delegation, Governor Godwin and
living ex-Governors of Virginia, and also a list of
special invitees to the August 5 ceremony (requested
of Red Cavaney's Office).
R
RUSS
cc: BKendall
CLeppert
August 15, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Dick, I spoke with the President about reproducing the Lee citizen-
ship bill," which has been done in 50 copies, but without the President's
signature in order that he can personally sign them.
My suggestion, which he concurred, was to send them to selected
people, and I would recommend the following:
Virginia Congressional delegation
Governors and former living Governors of Virginia
Speaker of the Virginia House
Immediate members of the Lee family who attended the
ceremony
Lee Chapel Museum at Washington & Lee Museum
U. S. Military Academy
The VMI Civil War Museum
House and Senate sponsors of the bill
Governors of the southern states
Battle Abbey (Confederate Art Gallery - Richmond)
White House of the Confederacy (now Museum - Richmond)
Stratford Hall (Lee's birthplace)
President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy
Ted Marrs
As he returns, I would prepare letters to the above along the lines
of the attached proposed letter to Senator Harry Byrd.
FORD is LIBRARY
Dear Harry:
As you are aware, I recently signed into law the
legislation which restored the citizenship of General
Robert E. Lee.
This was legislation that properly recognised a great
American: I was honored that I could participate in
remedying this historical oversight.
I requested a limited number of copies of this legislation
be reproduced, and I have signed for you a copy of the
original bill. I am sending it to you as a reminder of the
signing ceremony at the Custis-Lee Mansion.
With kindest personal regards, I remain,
Sincerely,
The Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
United States Senate
Washington, D. C.
GRF:JOM:cb
BLEARD FORD LIBRARY
[9/75?]
Dear Harry:
As you are aware, I recently signed into law the
legislation which restored the citizenship of General
Robert E. Lee.
This was legislation that properly recognized a great
American. I was honored that I could participate in
remedying this historical oversight.
I requested a limited number of copies of this legislation
be reproduced, and I have signed for you a copy of the
original bill. I am sending it to you as a reminder of the
signing ceremony at the Custis-Lee Mansion.
With kindest personal regards, I remain,
Sincerely,
The Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
United States Senate
Washington, D. C.
GRF:JOM:cb
FORD 2 LIBRARY 6779
September 12, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
AGNES WALDRON
FROM:
JACK MARSH
We are going to send copies of the Lee Citizenship Legislation
to the individuals noted in the attached memo, For these pur-
poses, we will require the precise names and addresses of the
individuals noted there.
Would you be good enough to have such a list prepared? Any-
thing you can do to expedite this request will be deeply appre-
clated.
Many thanks.
Attachment
JOM/RAR/dl
€ FORD (TORARY
see Lie, Robt .E
August 15, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Dick, I spoke with the President about reproducing the Lee citizen-
ship bill, which has been done in 50 copies, but without the President's
signature in order that he can personally sign them.
My suggestion, which be concurred, was to send them to selected
people, and I would recommend the following:
Virginia Congressional delegation
Governors and former living Governors of Virginia
Speaker of the Virginia House
Immediate members of the Lee family who attended the
ceremony
Lee Chapel Museum at Washington & Lee Museum
U. S. Military Academy
The VMI Civil War Museum
House and Senate sponsors of the bill
Governors of the southern states
Battle Abbey (Confederate Art Gallery - Richmond)
White House of the Confederacy (now Museum - Richmond)
Stratford Hall (Lee's birthplace)
President of the United Daughters of the Confederacy
Ted Marrs
As be returns, I would prepare letters to the above along the lines
of the attached proposed letter to Senator Harry Byrd.
FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 25, 1975
ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL
MEMORANDUM FOR:
FROM:
JACK JIM CONNOR MARSH fel
The President has reviewed your memorandum of August 15
to Dick Cheney concerning the reproducing of the Lee
Citizenship Bill.
The suggestions contained in the above
mentioned memorandum have been approved and you are
requested to prepare letters along the lines of the attached
signed letter to Senator Harry Byrd.
cc: Don Rumsfeld
Brenda Staff Secretary
This was in the filing. It doesn't look as
though it went to the President, but perhaps
Mr. Rumsfeld took it in. Can you tell
from your notes? Otherwise, we should
see that it gets into the system somehow.
Lee 8/21
HARRY F. BYRD, JR.
VIRGINIA
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510
August 5, 1975 a
My dear Mr. President:-
You were so gracious to come to
Virginia to sign the Robert E. Lee legisla-
tion. Not only do I appreciate it, but, I
am sure, all of Virginia does. What a won-
derful gesture to a great Virginian to sign
the legislation in his home.
In my long years in politics, never
have I met a nicer, finer person in public
office than Jerry Ford.
To change the subject, may I, as
a friend, urge that you take care not to
overwork. It is a long horse race, and
fifteen months is a long time to be keeping
up the pace at which you have been going.
Again, my thanks for being in
Virginia today.
Your friend,
The President
The White House
Washington, D. C.
Hamry
DELIVERED PERSONALLY
1
Connie
FORD is LIBRARY GIV 07V839 1
Please check
current Super-
intendent of
VMI cu attached;
also check
May re
Mazzoli then
send list to
Elliott w/
request to
type all ltrs.
just like the
ttr. to Byrd
d have them
anto signatured.
Then ash 10m
to take appropriate
number of bills
to IT for his
personal signa-
ture or ash
him if be
wants they
to be sent in
they Jim Conner. R.
GERALD LIBRARY R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
/. Max'a -
Central files -
Nov. 10
FINST yr.iN office:
Aug. 3,1 July/1975
1.GOP LONE. - -16
2. 2.131PRAT- -
3.0xmlom. 14
/. WILL KEEP NOTES
from 2
MAX will include
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 18, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
2
Jack, we now have the attached list of names and
addresses for all of the people who will be getting
a copy of the Lee Citizenship bill. Prior to having
the letters themselves typed by Roland Elliott's
Office, it will be necessary for the President to
indicate the salutations he desires for each name.
If I recall correctly, the letters will be signed by
autopen, however, the copies of the bill will be
signed individually by the President
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Robt
II
Lee
A/M
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Harry:
As you are aware, I recently signed into law the
legislation which restored the citizenship of General
Robert E. Lee.
This was legislation that properly recognized a great
American. I was honored that I could participate in
remedying this historical oversight.
I requested a limited number of copies of this legislation
be reproduced, and I have signed for you a copy of the
original bill. I am sending it to you as a reminder of the
signing ceremony at the Custis-Lee Mansion.
With kindest personal regards, I remain,
Sincerely,
The Honorable Jay Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
Ford
United States Senate
Washington, D. C.
THE WHITE HOUSE
The Honorable Harry F. Byrd, Jr.
United States Senate
Washington, D. C.
September 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE-
FROM:
JACK MARSH
SUBJECT:
Caldwell Butler
Congressman Caldwell Butler wants to deliver personally the
signed Robert E. Lee sitizenship to Washington and Lee
University.
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRARY 076835
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 24, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH Jom
SUBJECT:
Caldwell Butler
Congressman Caldwell Butler wants to deliver personally the
signed Robert E. Lee citizenship to Washington and Lee
University.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Where are the Robert E. Lee signature documents?
JACK:
Roland Elliott is presently having the letters typed. After
typing they will be signed by a uto-pen. When the letters are
ready, as per your instruction, you will have the President
sign the documents individually.
R
RUSS
October 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RUSS ROURKE
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Where are the Robert E. Lee signature documents?
JOM/dl
FORD is LIBRARY 077489
Robt E Lee
October 3, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
ROLAND ELLIOTT
FROM:
JACK MARSH
I would appreciate your seeing that letters are prepared
for those on the attached list. Please have them auto-penned
when they are ready. I am attaching a sample of the letter
to be used.
Many thanks.
cb
GERMA FORD FIBRARY
October 16, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO:
JIM CONNOR
FROM:
JACK MARSH
Attached are enlarged copies of S. J. Res. 23, a joint resolution
restoring full rights of citizenship to General Robert E. Lee.
You will also find attached letters being sent to those people who
were somehow involved with this bill. You'll note that these letters
have already been auto-penned with the President's signature. The
bills are being sent along with the letters.
The President and I discussed his personally signing all of the
enlarged bills, and he agreed to do this once the letters were pre-
pared.
cb
SERVICE FORD LIBRARY
October 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO: JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Romano Mazzoli received one of the signed
copies of the Lee Citizenship bills because he
was a co-sponsor of the legislation.
For your information the co-sponsors are as
follows:
SENATE
Gravel
Helms
Humphrey
Thurmond
Tower
Mathias
Byrd
HOUSE
Heckler
Bowen
Mazzoli
cb
BERALD S LIVERSIT FORD
President's mail - October 24, 1975
House
1.
Sonny Montgomery
Asks that, in developing a budget for fiscal year
1977, the President consider a funding level that
would permit the completion of the Tennessee
Tombigbee Waterway by its established schedule.
2.
John J. Flynt
Joins with the University Union of the University
of Georgia in extending an invitation to the President
to visit the University on Nov 14.
3.
Bill Archer
Supports the request of Mr. Hull Youngblood that
he be invited to the public forum on domestic
policy to be held in Austin, Texas on Nov 11.
4.
James Hanley
Asks that Presidential birthday greetings be sent
to Mrs. Esther Perkins Anderson.
5.
Romano Mazzoli
Thanks President for the signed copy of the Lee
Citizenship Bill.
6.
Bo Ginn
Hopes the President will be able to accept invitation
to visit the University of Georgia on November 14.
R-
Why did 7 he
get one
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 28, 1975
MEMORANDUM TO: JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE R
Romano Mazzoli received one of the signed
copies of the Lee Citizenship bills because he
was a co-sponsor of the legislation.
For your information the co-sponsors are as
follows:
SENATE
Gravel
Helms
Humphrey
Thurmond
Tower
Mathias
Byrd
HOUSE
Heckler
Bowen
Mazzoli
rall of the above received
copies !
Ruce
OCT 27 1975
President's mail - October 24, 1975
Senate
1.S Strom Thurmond
Feels that any grain sales to Russia should be for
cash, at full market prices, and that we should
continue to seek strategic raw materials (such as
oil) in return.
2.S Stuart Symington
Recommends that Deryl Schuster be appointed
as Administrator of the SBA.
3.S Richard Schweiker
Hopes the President will be able to accept invitation
to attend the presentation of The Baker General
at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Washington, D. C.
on November 9.
4.S Strom Thurmond
Thanks President for the signed copy of the legislation
which restored citizenship to General Robert E. Lee.
FORD : LIBRARY GERALD
President's mail - October 24, 1975
House
1.
Sonny Montgomery
Asks that, in developing a budget for fiscal year
1977, the President consider a funding level that
would permit the completion of the Tennessee
Tombigbee Waterway by its established schedule.
2.
John J. Flynt
Joins with the University Union of the University
of Georgia in extending an invitation to the President
to visit the University on Nov 14.
3.
Bill Archer
Supports the request of Mr. Hull Youngblood that
he be invited to the public forum on domestic
policy to be held in Austin, Texas on Nov 11.
4.
James Hanley
Asks that Presidential birthday greetings be sent
to Mrs. Esther Perkins Anderson.
5.
Romano Mazzoli
Thanks President for the signed copy of the Lee
Citizenship Bill.
6.
Bo Ginn
Hopes the President will be able to accept invitation
to visit the University of Georgia on November 14.
R-
\
Why did 7 he
get one
FORD & 07V836 LIBRARY
April 16, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO:
JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, I am sure that you will want to send Milt your
OWB list of individuals to whom copies of the signed Procla-
mations should be sent. For your reference lo a copy of
individuals who received the Robert E. Lee Proclamation.
RAR:cb
FORD is LIBRARY GTV838