Lee's Answer

Early in the war, before Lee had demonstrated his prQ-eru;nence as tbe gouthern leader, be was severely criticised -on more than one occasion by a certaiu General Whiting. Wbiting had stood at tha head of bis clans at West. Point, and Vvas considered, uot only by himself, but by others, as a very bright and capabïe man. One day President Davis, wisbing an ofHcer for son.e hijbly iniportaut command, called upou General Lee for advice. "Wbat do you tbink of Wbiting?" asked Davis. Lee aiiswered without hesitation, conmiendiug W'hiting as one of the ablest men ia tbe arruy, well qualifled in every way for even the most responsible position. One of tbe officers present was greatly surprised, and at tbe first opportunity drew Lee aside. "Don't you know wbatunkind things Whiting bas been saying about you?" he inquired. Lee's answer was of the best. "I nnderstood, " be said, "that the president desired to knowmy op'inion of Whiting, notWhiting's opinión of me."