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The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled when he cannot help humbling others. - Robert E. Lee

While no doubt there are those who feel such is the case - there are also many who, while thankful for the preservation of the Union of these Great States, also understand that the General was a gentlemen who performed his duty as he thought he must. A true knight of war executes the terrible duty that falls to him based on his obligations. Many on both sides felt a great split in their souls as they were asked to decide upon which loyalty they would follow. I have little doubt that the decision was not taken lightly or without regret.

Lincoln was no less torn than Lee and while the tragedies of the past cannot be changed, there is no need to sully the name of either when they played their part upon the stage of history as they thought best at the time. Arm chair historians may question all they wish comfortable in their chairs by the fire, but these men fought for what they believed and I will fault neither for executing what they felt was their duty.

This is in stark contrast to the treachery of General Benedict Arnold who, after exemplary service, felt that the cause was likely lost and that he could better further his own situation by committing his treason with no thought or compunction as to his prior commitment to a duty. Yes, the men of the Revolution also broke oaths having sworn at one time to fight for their King. But once they had determined the lack of compassion and suffering multiple harms they broke and declared as such with committment to the new cause. Lee was no different, he declared and he endured and so held true and deserves no further fault than that of his ‘side’ not suceeding in their hard fought effort. Arnold did not or could not perservere and there is where treason lies.

This ability to call truce and make amends is why today we call the English, Germans, French, and Japanese our Allies and it is perhaps one of our greatest strengths. Oh not with the atrocity makers - the executioners and killers of innocents - but those who acted in their capacity as honorable in the execution of their duties.

I fear our next conflict - for surely some day it must come - will not be nearly as ‘clean’. With no State boundaries neatly demarcating the battle lines, instead falling to the suburban sprawl between rural and city, there will be no winner - as there was not these 150 years past - for never in conflict do we win.