but the request was refused by the United States government, April 5, 1898. All consuls were recalled and many American residents of Cuba came home to the states at the same time.
General Lee wrote the life of General Robert E. Lee, his uncle, in the series of "Great Commanders" published by D. Appleton and Company. He was a member of the Democratic party. His reading was most largely historic and biographic. He was a communicant of the Episcopal church. Driving and riding were his favorite modes of relaxation, and he gave especial attention to athletics. The wishes of relatives coincided with his personal preference for the military life.
To young people he said, "duty is the sublimest word in the English language." "Let our young Americans do it always."
He was married April 19, 1871, to Miss Ellen Bernard Fowle. They have had seven children, five of whom were living in 1904. Their oldest son,Fitzhugh, is Captain in the 7th United States cavalry, and assistant to the Superintendent Public Buildings and Grounds, Washington, District of Columbia; and their second son, George Mason, is first lieutenant 7th United States cavalry, General Hospital, Presidio, San Francisco, California.
General Lee died at Washington, District of Columbia, April 28, 1905.