The White House was a favorable "base" for the Federal army, and intelligence one day reached Mrs.Lee and her family that the enemy were approaching.

The ladies therefore hastened from the place to a point of greater safety, and before her departure Mrs.Lee is said to have affixed to the door a paper containing the following words: "Northern soldiers who profess to reverence Washington, forbear to desecrate the home of his first married life, the property of his wife, now owned by her descendants.
"A GRAND-DAUGHTER OF MRS.

WASHINGTON." When the Federal forces took possession of the place, a Northern officer, it is said, wrote beneath this: "A Northern officer has protected your property, in sight of the enemy, and at the request of your overseer." The resolute spirit of Mrs.Lee is indicated by an incident which followed.

She took refuge with her daughters in a friend's house near Richmond, and, when a Federal officer was sent to search the house, handed to him a paper addressed to "the general in command," in which she wrote: "Sir: I have patiently and humbly submitted to the search of my house, by men under your command, who are satisfied that there is nothing here which they want.

All the plate and other valuables have long since been removed to Richmond, and are now beyond the reach of any Northern marauders who may wish for their possession.
"WIFE OF ROBERT LEE, GENERAL C.S.A." The ladies finally repaired for safety to the city of Richmond, and the White House was burned either before or when General McClellan retreated.