[Sola Veritas]

Blair House has an interesting history. Postmaster General Blair lived there at the beginning of the Civil War, and it was there that Colonel Robert Edward Lee was offered field command of the Union Army, with the accompanied rank of Major General. The offer was made by Postmaster General Blair at the behest of President Lincoln and the War Department. The commanding general of the Army, Winfield Scott, thought very highly of Colonel Lee, and thought him the most able officer in the small regular army to command forces against the “rebellion” in the Cotton States.

Lee turned him down because he could not bring himself to turn his sword against his home state (or as he often called it “his country”) of Virginia. Shortly after turning down this offer, his resigned from the U.S. Army but was then offered command of the Virginia Militia within days.

I take no position on whether Lee was right or wrong to do this. However, I will say that as a general and human being he was a great man. Probably one of the most honorably persons on either side.

I bit about history for the day! :-)

[Ace's Dad]

as he often called it “his country”

I'm hardly an expert, but I've never heard this: Reference?

[randomhero97]

What's the best books on the shelves about General Lee?

Also, if you know of any good ones on Gen. Patton, MacArthur, and Westmoreland. I would appreciate those recommendations as well.

[RedMonqey]

However, I will say that as a general and human being he was a great man.

A gentleman if ever there was one. The epitome of manhood and Christian charity if ever there was one.

Would have Virginia stayed in the Union, there may not have been a Grant nor Sherman.

And after the war, e his proclaimations and private writings efforts were to urge his fellow countrymen(Southerners) to forget and forgive the trepidations of the war, accept negro rights, and accept the verdict of unification(my words) and get on being American citizens.

And for his trouble, his U.S.citizenship application wasn't granted until the mid 1970's.