He Slept In A Modest Soldier’s Tent And Ate The Same Rations As His Men
To the dismay of his staff, Lee nearly never accepted the delicacies that the wealthy locals in the region where his troops camped provided. Lee would surreptitiously convey the food to his soldiers, generally the injured in hospitals, after writing a nice note of gratitude to the donor when fresh fruits or vegetables, great meat, good bread, or even premium spirits were sent to his headquarters. Lee always consumed the standard army ration that was issued to his soldiers along with basic dinners. He also often declined offers to set up shop at Southerners' houses as his headquarters, choosing instead to spend the night outside in a small tent that was, coincidentally, owned by a New Jersey officer who had been captured by the Confederates.
As a result, he made it a point to partake in and get to know his men's everyday struggles as much as he could. One time, Lee was going back to his tent when he saw a soldier looking inside. Lee said, "Walk in, Captain; I am pleased to see you." I ain't no captain, General Lee," the astonished soldier said as he turned to face Lee. I am only a private, and I serve in the Ninth Virginia Cavalry. Lee said, "Well, come on in, sir." "You should be a captain if you aren't already."
