Robert E. Lee

LOL! Thank you for that. Beautiful.

Thanks for the remembrance of Robert E Lee. May his memory be eternal!

Sorry to those who want The South to rise again, but there is no honor for Lee.

I think the only thing that needs to be pointed out here is that Ulysses S. Grant, the man who defeated Lee, accepted his surrender and insisted that his army treat Lee and the Confederates with respect and dignity, would completely disagree.

Except to also point out that Maj Gen (bvt) Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, of the 20th Maine and Little Round Top had the entire Army of the Potomac render military salute to the defeated Confederates as they surrendered their colors and arms.

God Bless Marse Robert...

States rights were worth fighting for. Imagine what this country would be like, not if the Confederacy had won, but if the individual states had the power (and freedoms)that they enjoyed before the war.

Semper Fidelis

When I saw "Traveller's" grave, someone had left a few apples on the stone. I thought that was charming. :)

FYI:

"Lee described his faithful horse in a letter in response to Mrs. Lee's cousin, Markie Williams, who wished to paint a portrait of Traveller":

"If I was an artist like you, I would draw a true picture of Traveller; representing his fine proportions, muscular figure, deep chest, short back, strong haunches, flat legs, small head, broad forehead, delicate ears, quick eye, small feet, and black mane and tail. Such a picture would inspire a poet, whose genius could then depict his worth, and describe his endurance of toil, hunger, thirst, heat and cold; and the dangers and suffering through which he has passed. He could dilate upon his sagacity and affection, and his invariable response to every wish of his rider. He might even imagine his thoughts through the long night-marches and days of the battle through which he has passed. But I am no artist Markie, and can therefore only say he is a Confederate grey."

"I have nothing but contempt for the man."

You display a complete ignorance of Lee and the great affinity which people from the 18th and 19th centuries had for their native states. During that era, the "United States" was often written as a plural subject in sentences rather than in the singular. This, of course, was decided on the field of battle. However, you are judging Lee with your 21st century frame of mind.

And, unless you have somehow transported yourself across time to speak with Washington, I see no basis for your statement that Washington would be ashamed of Lee. Washington shared Lee's passion for Virginia. For that matter, so did Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, James Madison to name only a few.

The early Virginians are greatly responsible for formation of the Nation we know today. And, that success was built upon the traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Very true - if you saw Ken Burns' Civil War series (or as my husband calls it, "Boots.... belt buckle.... face", for the way it constantly scanned still photographs), you'll recall Shelby Foote saying that "Before the Civil War, people said, 'the United States ARE.' After the war, they said, 'the United States IS.' "

I find your remarks inexpressibly depressing breathing as they do the venom of old hatreds. To simply state the matter many perhaps most people in the USA in 1861 identified with their state or section more strongly than the nation. In fact the dispute was generally presented as one of 'Union versus disunion' by anti-secessionists and not as one of the nation in danger. Unwillingness to lead military forces in an attack on one's native state and against one's family and friends in the cause of an abstract if revered concept would seem axiomatic to most Americans. Somewhere Lee wrote that the prospect of a union held together with bayonets held no allure for him. It was an idea that most of his former comrades in the Army could understand even if they were now in arms against him.
The following excerpt is from a biography Lee's eldest son wrote largely consisting of Lee's own words. This is how his resignation played out:

From: Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee
by Captain Robert E. Lee, His Son
Chapter II
The Confederate General

In February, 1861, after the secession of Texas, my father was ordered
to report to General Scott, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States
Army. He immediately relinquished the command of his regiment, and
departed from Fort Mason, Texas, for Washington. He reached Arlington
March 1st. April 17th, Virginia seceded. On the 18th Colonel Lee had
a long interview with General Scott. On April 20th he tendered his
resignation of his commission in the United States Army. The same day
he wrote to General Scott the following letter:

"Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.

"General: Since my interview with you on the 18th inst. I have felt
that I ought no longer to retain my commission in the Army. I therefore
tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for
acceptance. It would have been presented at once but for the struggle
it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted
the best years of my life, and all the ability I possessed.

"During the whole of that time--more than a quarter of a century--I
have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors and a most
cordial friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been
as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration,
and it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I
shall carry tot he grave the most grateful recollections of your kind
consideration, and your name and fame shall always be dear to me.

"Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw
my sword.

"Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of
your happiness and prosperity, and believe me most truly yours,

"(Signed)

"R. E. Lee"

His resignation was written the same day.

"Arlington, Washington City P.O., April 20, 1861.

"Honourable Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

"Sir: I have the honour to tender the resignation of my command as
Colonel of the First Regiment of Cavalry.

"Very respectfully your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee,

"Colonel First Cavalry."

To show further his great feeling in thus having to leave the army
with which he had been associated for so long, I give two more letters,
one to his sister, Mrs. Anne Marshall, of Baltimore, the other to his
brother, Captain Sydney Smith Lee, of the United States Navy:

"Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.

"My Dear Sister: I am grieved at my inability to see you.... I have
been waiting for a 'more convenient season,' which has brought to many
before me deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war which
will yield to nothing. The whole South is in a state of revolution,
into which Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn; and though
I recognise no necessity for this state of things, and would have
forborne and pleaded to the end for redress of grievances, real or
supposed, yet in my own person I had to meet the question whether I
should take part against my native State.

"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. I
know you will blame me; but you must think as kindly of me as you can,
and believe that I have endeavoured to do what I thought right.

"To show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me, I send you a
copy of my letter of resignation. I have no time for more. May God
guard and protect you and yours, and shower upon you everlasting
blessings, is the prayer of your devoted brother, R. E. Lee."

"Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.

"My Dear Brother Smith: The question which was the subject of my
earnest consultation with you on the 18th inst. has in my own mind
been decided. After the most anxious inquiry as to the correct course
for me to pursue, I concluded to resign, and sent in my resignation
this morning. I wished to wait till the Ordinance of secession should
be acted on by the people of Virginia; but war seems to have commenced,
and I am liable at any time to be ordered on duty which I could not
conscientiously perform. To save me from such a position, and to
prevent the necessity of resigning under orders, I had to act at once,
and before I could see you again on the subject, as I had wished. I
am now a private citizen, and have no other ambition than to remain
at home. Save in defense of my native State, I have no desire ever
again to draw my sword. I send you my warmest love.

"Your affectionate brother,

"R. E. Lee."

My father reached Richmond April 22, 1861. The next day he was
introduced to the Virginia Convention, and offered by them the command
of the military forces of his State. In his reply to Mr. John Janney,
the President, who spoke for the Convention, he said:

"Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention: Deeply impressed
with the solemnity of the occasion on which I appear before you, and
profoundly grateful for the honour conferred upon me, I accept the
position your partiality has assigned me, though I would greatly have
preferred your choice should have fallen on one more capable.

"Trusting to Almighty God, an approving conscience, and the aid of my
fellow citizens, I will devote myself to the defense and service of
my native State, in whose behalf alone would I have ever drawn my
sword."

In a biography of Lee written by John Cooke, who knew Lee personally the following commentary well describes Lee's sense of regretful resignation at the course of events:

A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE.
BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE
Part 1 Chapter 7 comments as follows on Lee's letter to his sister:

The expression used in this letter--"though I recognize no necessity for this state of things"--conveys very clearly the political sentiments of the writer. He did not regard the election of a Republican President, even by a strictly sectional vote, as sufficient ground for a dissolution of the Union. It may be added here, that such, we believe, was the opinion of a large number of Southern officers at that time. Accustomed to look to the flag as that which they were called upon to defend against all comers, they were loath to admit the force of the reasoning which justified secession, and called upon them to abandon it. Their final action seems to have been taken from the same considerations which controlled the course of Lee. Their States called them, and they obeyed.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/lifeofleep1c7.htm

In a letter, written after the war, Lee provides his own
account of his resignation from the United States
Army:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 25, 1868.

"Honourable Reverdy Johnson,

"United States Senate, Washington, D. C.

"My Dear Sir: My attention has been called to the official report of
the debate in the Senate of the United States, on the 19th instant,
in which you did my the kindness to doubt the correctness of the
statement made by the Honourable Simon Cameron, in regard to myself.
I desire that you may feel certain of my conduct on the occasion
referred to, so far as my individual statement can make you. I never
intimated to any one that I desired the command of the United States
Army; nor did I ever have a conversation with but one gentleman, Mr.
Francis Preston Blair, on the subject, which was at his invitation,
and, as I understood, at the instance of President Lincoln. After
listening to his remarks, I declined the offer that he made me, to
take command of the army that was to be brought into the field; stating,
as candidly and courteously as I could, that, though opposed to
secession and deprecating war, I could take no part in an invasion of
the Southern States. I went directly from the interview with Mr. Blair
to the office of General Scott; told him of the proposition that had
been made to me, and my decision. Upon reflection after returning
to my home, I concluded that I ought no longer to retain the commission
I held in the United States Army, and on the second morning thereafter
I forwarded my resignation to General Scott. At the time, I hoped
that peace would have been preserved; that some way would have been
found to save the country from the calamities of war; and I then had
no other intention than to pass the remainder of my life as a private
citizen. Two days afterward, upon the invitation of the Governor of
Virginia, I repaired to Richmond; found that the Convention then in
session had passed the ordinance withdrawing the State from the Union;
and accepted the commission of commander of its forces, which was
tendered me.

"These are the ample facts of the case, and they show that Mr. Cameron
has been misinformed.

"I am with great respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

Finally Cooke again serves as an appropriate source of some final comments, quoted from the above mentioned biography, as an appropriate summation:

In resigning his commission and going over to the South, Lee sacrificed his private fortunes, in addition to all his hopes of future promotion in the United States Army. His beautiful home, Arlington, situated upon the heights opposite Washington, must be abandoned forever, and fall into the hands of the enemy.

There is no proof, however, that this sacrifice of his personal fortunes had any effect upon him. If he could decide to change his flag, and dissolve every tie which bound him to the old service, he could sacrifice all else without much regret. No one will be found to say that the hope of rank or emolument in the South influenced him. The character and whole career of the man contradict the idea. His ground of action may be summed up in a single sentence. He went with his State because he believed it was his duty to do so, and because, to ascertain what was his duty, and perform it, was the cardinal maxim of his life.

I agree with you, however, I would add religious conviction to the mix. Some fault Lee for putting his beloved Virgina over the USA. In their view, the country must come first with everything else secondary. I disagree. I think religious faith comes first and everything else secondary.

Which is the real motivation behind southern conservatism if the truth be told. The south is still a bunch of rebels. Rebelling against the nihist antichristian direction the leftists and one world globalists are taking us.

A Christian conservative would see in Lee, who fought against tremendous odds, a parallel to what is going on today. Rue the day that we become tragic heroes like him though. The battle against antichrist leftism is a war we must win.

Lee was a profoundly religious man. Perhaps the awful example of what befell his father was ever before him as a lesson in the need for religion and and the foundation of strong belief in something greater than ambition and competence as the most important things in life. Here is a brief but very moving study of Lee the Christian:

Robert E. Lee's Religious Beliefs
Robert E. Lee is no doubt one of the most respected figures on the stage of human history. The love, admiration and respect given to this man is universal. He was loved by his soldiers, revered by his peers, respected by his enemies, and even his former slaves and servants cherished the time they were given to be with him. Posterity has placed Robert E. Lee in a unique position as one of the most respected men who ever lived.

After his death, a Northern newspaper wrote of him "We have long since ceased to look upon him as the Confederate leader, but have claimed him as one of ourselves; have cherished and felt proud of his military genius; have recounted and recorded his triumphs as our own; have extolled his virtue as reflecting upon us—for Robert Edward Lee was an American, and the great nation which gave him birth would be today unworthy of such a son if she regarded him lightly".

Robert E. Lee opposed Slavery, and had freed the slaves he inherited from his Wife's estate long before the war. One of them, William Mac Lee, chose to stand by Robert E. Lee's side throughout the war, serving as his cook and confidant. This former slave and friend described Lee with these words, "I was raised by one of the greatest men in the world. There was never one born of a woman greater than Gen. Robert E. Lee".

In recognizing the profound mark that Robert E. Lee left on the world, one is forced to contemplate the fundamental principals on which Robert E. Lee built his life. We must seek to understand the foundational beliefs that led to a life so respected, so admired and so loved. What was the rock on which Robert E. Lee built his life? What was the river that ran deep through his soul that gave him strength, that sustained him, and that led him to attain such heights, and carry on in the face of bitter defeat. What was the guiding light that led to the Courage, Honor, and Integrity that shone forth in his life?

In studying Robert E. Lee for over 10 years, it has become crystal clear to me that Robert E. Lee was a devoted follower and humble servant of Jesus Christ. The teachings of Christ and the words of the Holy Scriptures shine forth in the walk and life of Robert E. Lee. Robert E. Lee was a man of Prayer and Devotion. In addition, his own writings demonstrate his profound faith. There is extensive documentation that Robert E. Lee was a man of faith, and a man of prayer. Some examples are given below.

Robert E. Lee prayed for an end to slavery.

"The doctrines and miracles of our Savior have required nearly two thousand years to convert but a small portion of the human race, and even among Christian nations what gross errors still exist! While we see the course of the final abolition of human slavery is still onward, and give it the aid of our prayers, let us leave the progress as well as the results in the hands of Him who, chooses to work by slow influences, and with whom a thousand years are but as a single day." Excerpts from Robert E. Lee's Letter to President Pierce prior to the War

Robert E. Lee Prayed for his Friends

Upon hearing that Stonewall Jackson had been injured in battle, Lee Prayed for him and requested that word be sent to Jackson to let him know that he was praying for him . . . "When you return I trust you will find him better. When a suitable occasion offers, give him my love, and tell him that I wrestled in Prayer for him last night, as I never prayed, I believe, for myself." And he had to turn abruptly away to conceal his emotion. from Part 6, Chapter 8 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE."
BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee Prayed for his Family

"May God guard and protect you and yours, and shower upon you every blessing, is the prayer of your devoted brother, R.E. LEE.", Excerpt of a Letter from Robert E. Lee to his sister.

Robert E. Lee was deeply moved by the prayers of others

When he was informed that the chaplains prayed for him, tears started to his eyes, and he replied: "I sincerely thank you for that, and I can only say that I am a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone, and that I need all the prayers you can offer for me." from Part 5, Chapter 13 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee Prayed with His Men, In the Midst of Battle

He did not fail, on many occasions, to show his men that he was a sincere Christian. When General Meade came over to Mine Run, and the Southern army marched to meet him, Lee was riding along his line of battle in the woods, when he came upon a party of soldiers holding a prayer-meeting on the eve of battle. Such a spectacle was not unusual in the army then and afterward--the rough fighters were often men of profound piety--and on this occasion the sight before him seems to have excited deep emotion in Lee. He stopped, dismounted--the staff-officers accompanying him did the same--and Lee uncovered his head, and stood in an attitude of profound respect and attention, while the earnest prayer proceeded, in the midst of the thunder of artillery and the explosion of the enemy's shells. from Part 5, Chapter 13 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee Prayed Daily

"I, therefore, can anticipate for you many years of happiness and prosperity, and in my daily prayers to the God of mercy and truth I invoke His choicest blessings upon you." Excerpt from a Letter from Robert E. Lee to his son dated 1867

Robert E. Lee Prayed and Gave Thanks for his Food

"General Lee returned to his house, and, finding his family waiting tea for him, took his place at the table, standing to say grace." Account of Robert E. Lee's Last meal from Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, Chapter 24.

Robert E. Lee Prayed In Battle

Again near Petersburg, Lee was observed kneeling in prayer, a short distance from the road, as his troops marched by. from Part 8, Chapter 19 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee Prayed for Revival

When another minister, the Rev. Mr. Jones, delivered an earnest address at the "Concert of Prayer for Colleges," urging that all Christians should pray for the aid of the Holy Spirit in changing the hearts of the students, General Lee, after the meeting, approached the minister and said with great warmth: "I wish, sir, to thank you for your address. It was just what we needed. Our great want is a revival, which shall bring these young men to Christ." from Part 8, Chapter 19 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee had a Heart for the Non-believers in his University

One morning, while the venerable Dr. White was passing General Lee's house, on his way to chapel, the general joined him, and they entered into conversation upon religious subjects. General Lee said little, but, just as they reached the college, stopped and remarked with great earnestness, his eyes filling with tears as he spoke: "I shall be disappointed, sir, I shall fail in the leading object that brought me here, unless the young men all become real Christians; and I wish you and others of your sacred profession to do all you can to accomplish this result." from Part 8, Chapter 19 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

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

Robert E. Lee Prayed for his Enemies

Of the extent of this Christian moderation another proof was given by the soldier, at a moment when he might not unreasonably have been supposed to labor under emotions of the extremest bitterness. Soon after his return to Richmond, in April, 1865, when the _immedicabile vulnus_ of surrender was still open and bleeding, a gentleman was requested by the Federal commander in the city to communicate to General Lee the fact that he was about to be indicted in the United States courts for treason. In acquitting himself of his commission, the gentleman expressed sentiments of violent indignation at such a proceeding. But these feelings General Lee did not seem to share. The threat of arraigning him as a traitor produced no other effect upon him than to bring a smile to his lips; and, taking the hand of his friend, as the latter rose to go, he said, in his mildest tones: "We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them." from Part 8, Chapter 19 of "A LIFE OF GEN. ROBERT E. LEE." BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE

Robert E. Lee Prayed and Fasted, and Asked Others to do the Same.

"Headquarters, Army Northern Virginia, August 13, 1863.

"The President of the Confederate States has, in the name of the people, appointed August 21st as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. A strict observance of the day is enjoined upon the officers and soldiers of this army. All military duties, except such as are absolutely necessary, will be suspended. The commanding officers of brigades and regiments are requested to cause divine services, suitable to the occasion, to be performed in their respective commands. Soldiers! we have sinned against Almighty God. We have forgotten His signal mercies, and have cultivated a revengeful, haughty, and boastful spirit. We have not remembered that the defenders of a just cause should be pure in His eyes; that 'our times are in His hands,' and we have relied too much on our own arms for the achievement of our independence. God is our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble ourselves before Him. Let us confess our many sins, and beseech Him to give us a higher courage, a purer patriotism, and more determined will; that He will hasten the time when war, with its sorrows and sufferings, shall cease, and that He will give us a name and place among the nations of the earth.

"R. E. Lee, General."

Robert E. Lee's Prayer

"Help me to be, to think, to act what is right because it is right; make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me." From the Truman Library. This Robert E. Lee prayer was memorized by Harry Truman, and Used by Truman throughout his life.

It is clear that the courage, honor, bravery and honesty displayed by General Robert E. Lee flowed from the profound faith which he had, a faith in a power greater than himself, and a savior which guided his steps.

Great post, robo, loaded with good info. Lot of stuff I didn't know about him. I'll be coyping it and putting it in a special REL file. Thanks.

Who is Marse Robert?

Master Robert E. Lee.

bttt

By your logic, if Washington had put "country above politics" he would've fought for King George.>>>>>>>>>

Bravo for that one!!!!!!!!

Who is Marse Robert?

"Four Years under Marse Robert" by Robert Stiles, 1836-1905.

Marse Robert

And, unless you have somehow transported yourself across time to speak with Washington, I see no basis for your statement that Washington would be ashamed of Lee.

Read Washingon's farewell address.

Robert E. Lee opposed Slavery, and had freed the slaves he inherited from his Wife's estate long before the war.

Actually Lee freed the slaves inherited from his father-in-law in December 1862, slightly longer than the 5 year period mandated in his father-in-law's will, but considering all that Lee had on his plate in 1862 then it's understandable that he might have let it slip. And Lee's opposition to slavery was tepid at best.

We dug up a lot of Civil War relics when I was a kid (buttons with pieces of cloth attached, miniballs, unexploded cannon shells (3 next to my Dads Texaco Service Station), a bayonet). The bookstore ar the Surrender Grounds is one of the best ones I have ever been in. I had a uncle in Richmond (near where the racetrack is today) who had a summer home on the Rappahanock - great fishing and crabbing.