Robert E. Lee did not own slaves, but many Union generals did. When his father-in-law died, Lee took over the management of the plantation his wife had inherited and immediately began freeing the slaves. By the time Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, every slave in Lee’s charge had been freed. I already mentioned he freed the slaves he inherited from his father. He lived in a time when slavery was legal and had not control over what either father did. He did have control over what he did and did not retain the slaves willed to him. Notably, some Union generals didn’t free their slaves until the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868.
You are intent on destroying a man that leaders on both sides of the Potomac had great respect and admiration for. He was a decent man. Lee vigorously opposed slavery and as early as 1856 made this statement: “There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will not acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil.”
Name some.
When his father-in-law died, Lee took over the management of the plantation his wife had inherited and immediately began freeing the slaves. By the time Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, every slave in Lee’s charge had been freed.
Again, incorrect. Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862. Lee didn't free the last of his slaves until December.
Notably, some Union generals didn’t free their slaves until the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868.
Name one.
You are intent on destroying a man that leaders on both sides of the Potomac had great respect and admiration for.
Apparently you find the truth destructive. Maybe that's why you seem to be avoiding it.
He was a decent man.
So I've been told.
Lee vigorously opposed slavery and as early as 1856 made this statement: “There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will not acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil.”
Vigorously opposed slavery? Read that quote in context and the only thing Lee vigorously opposed was anyone interfering with slavery. Nine years later Lee was writing, "Considering the relation of master and slave, controlled by humane laws and influenced by Christianity and an enlightened public sentiment, as the best that can exist between the white and black races while intermingled as at present in this country, I would deprecate any sudden disturbance of that relation unless it be necessary to avert a greater calamity to both."