I'm no fan of the CSA or the cause for which it fought, but this ignores the circumstances of the time.
Two Army officers from VA were in 1860 faced with the choice of treason to their State or to their Nation.
Thomas chose to remain loyal to his nation and was convicted of treason against his State, his property was confiscated and disowned by his family. He went on to become one of the greatest of Union generals.
Lee chose to remain loyal to his State. His property was confiscated by the USA and converted into a military cemetery. He went on to become the greatest of Confederate generals.
Both were great men and great Americans. Each was faced with a choice between treasons, with the only alternative to betraying one or the other of their allegiances being a refusal to serve, probably by leaving the country. Both made honorable choices.
If you can mangle the meaning of the word honorably to cover Lee then the word has no meaning.