ORISON SWETT MARDEN
Robert E. Lee (1807–1870), the famous Confederate general, was a man of virtue and manners. Despite the horrors of the war and the toll it took on the nation, Lee always respected Confederate and Union people alike. As this short story illustrates, he was particularly respectful of women, even when other men weren’t.
General Robert E. Lee was on his way to Richmond, and was seated in the extreme end of a railroad car, every seat of which was occupied. At one of the stations, an aged woman of humble appearance entered the car, carrying a large basket. She walked the length of the aisle and not a man offered her a seat. When she was opposite General Lee’s seat, he arose promptly and said, “Madam, take this seat.” Instantly a score of men were on their feet, and a chorus of voices said, “General, have my seat.” “No, gentlemen,” he replied, “if there was no seat for this old lady, there is no seat for me.” It was not long before the car was almost empty. It was too warm to be comfortable.