My grandfather’s Dad fought for the North against Lee. However, after the war, he named one of his sons after Lee. As did my grandfather. And my middle name is Lee...after Robert E. Lee.
When someone who fights in the army against you names a son after you...you’re doing SOMETHING right.
went to appomattox courthouse. Park ranger pointed up the dirt road into the area from the north. Said Lee came alone on Traveller and the union soldiers lined the road and saluted him
My grandfather’ dad fought at Shiloh and was eventually ‘surrendered ‘ at Vicksburg . He wore the grey .
As I recall, before he resigned his position in the Army, Lee was offered full command of U.S. forces in the conflict. In explaining his refusal to accept the position, he said, “I cannot take up arms against my country.” By “country” of course Lee meant Virginia.