is the most striking proof of his great merit.  General Scott was enthusiastic in his expressions of admiration for the young Virginian; and with the death of that general, which his great age rendered a probable event at any moment, Lee was sure to become a candidate for the highest promotion in the service.  To this his great ability gave him a title at the earliest possible moment; and other considerations operated to advance his fortunes.  He was conceded by all to be a person of the highest moral character; was the descendant of an influential and distinguished family, which had rendered important services to the country in the Revolution; his father had been the friend of Washington, and had achieved the first glories of arms, and the ample estates derived from his wife gave him that worldly prestige which has a direct influence upon the fortunes of an individual.  Colonel Lee could thus look forward, without the imputation of presumption, to positions of the highest responsibility and honor under the Government.  With the death of Scott, and other aged officers of the army, the place of commander-in-chief would fall to the most deserving of the younger generation; and of this generation there was no one so able and prominent as Lee.[1]

[Footnote 1:  “General Scott stated his purpose to recommend Lee as his successor in the chief command of the army.”—­Hon. Reverdy Johnson.]

The personal relations of Lee with General Scott constituted another powerful temptation to decide him against going over to the Southern side.  We have referred to the great admiration which the old soldier felt for the young officer.  He is said to have exclaimed on one occasion:  “It would be better for every officer in the army, including myself, to die than Robert Lee.”  There seems no doubt of the fact that Scott looked to Lee as his ultimate successor in the supreme command, for which his character and military ability peculiarly fitted him.  Warm personal regard gave additional strength to his feelings in Lee’s favor; and the consciousness of this regard on the part of his superior made it still more difficult for Lee to come to a decision.

VII.

LEE RESIGNS.

It is known that General Scott used every argument to persuade Lee not to resign.  To retain him in the service, he had been appointed, on his arrival at Washington, a full colonel, and in 1860 his name had been sent in, with others, by Scott, as a proper person to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brigadier-General Jessup.  To these tempting intimations that rapid promotion would attend his adherence to the United States flag, Scott added personal appeals, which, coming from him, must have been almost irresistible.

“For God’s sake, don’t resign, Lee!” the lieutenant-general is said to have exclaimed.  And, in the protracted interviews which took place between the two officers, every possible argument was urged by the elder to decide Lee to remain firm.