[re_nortex]

Although a sword might symbolize Robert E. Lee's distinguished military service, the desk represents the final chapter of his life—a period in which he dedicated himself to educating young men and reuniting the country that he had so recently fought against.

Thanks for that very interesting post concerning Lee and his post-military contributions at Lexington. I can only wonder how Texas A&M would have fared under the stewardship of Jefferson Davis , who declined the offer of its presidency.

He was a bit of rowdy fellow while at West Point (not dissimilar to today's Johnny Football of aTm) but later distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War. His legacy also included strengthening America's military when he served with honor as Secretary of War during the Pierce administration. As Mississippi Senator, Davis championed the territorial expansion of the United States via the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Gasden Purchase.

[PowderMonkey]

The South sent the flower of its youth to a war of secession. And at war's end, sent its finest men to rebuild a mighty nation. I leave you with this last tidbit from history. God bless:
Robert E. Lee Loved his Enemies
"One day last autumn the writer saw General Lee standing at his gate, talking pleasantly to an humbly-clad man, who seemed very much pleased at the cordial courtesy of the great chieftain, and turned off, evidently delighted, as we came up. After exchanging salutations, the general said, pointing to the retreating form, 'That is one of our old soldiers, who is in necessitous circumstances.' I took it for granted that it was some veteran Confederate, when the noble-hearted chieftain quietly added, 'He fought on the other side, but we must not think of that.' I afterward ascertained--not from General Lee, for he never alluded to his charities--that he had not only spoken kindly to this 'old soldier' who had 'fought on the other side,' but had sent him on his way rejoicing in a liberal contribution to his necessities." from Part 8, Chapter 19 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE