With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword..
Robert E Lee
325 posted on 06/25/2013 4:43:15 AM PDT by central_va
(I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)