But not your own facts. So true.
Robert E. Lee letter dated December 27, 1856 in response to an address by Pres. Pierce: “There are few, I believe, in this enlightened age, who will not acknowledge that slavery as an institution is a moral and political evil. It is idle to expatiate on its disadvantages.” [Though too idle for sanctimonious Yankees.]
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/leefoundation/Lee%20on%20Slavery.htm
And much later:
“So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained.”
So long as they were property then the Southerners didn’t have a problem. It’s when they were free that the issues came up.
There’s that Pharisaical Yankee sanctimony bubbling up again. After the war was over, do you recall which Union states welcomed the newly freed slaves? Hint: There weren’t any. Every northern state without exception rushed to enact laws inhibiting the settlement of blacks.
Yes, let's explore that letter shall we? Lee continued: "I think it however a greater evil to the white man than to the black race, & while my feelings are strongly enlisted in behalf of the latter, my sympathies are more strong for the former. The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically. The painful discipline they are undergoing, is necessary for their instruction as a race, & I hope will prepare & lead them to better things. How long their subjugation may be necessary is known & ordered by a wise Merciful Providence. Their emancipation will sooner result from the mild & melting influence of Christianity, than the storms & tempests of fiery Controversy. This influence though slow, is sure. The doctrines & miracles of our Saviour have required nearly two thousand years, to Convert but a small part of the human race, & even among Christian nations, what gross errors still exist! While we see the Course of the final abolition of human Slavery is onward, & we give it the aid of our prayers & all justifiable means in our power, we must leave the progress as well as the result in his hands who sees the end; who Chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but as a Single day.
Better off in slavery? Slavery was merely a 'painful discipline' that they were undergoing that must be good for them since it was preparing them for 'better things'? And if it lasted another 2000 years then that was alright with Lee since it was in the hands of God and man should not interfere.
Does that sounds like a man who believed slavery was "a violation of Natural Law" to you? It sounds like someone whose opposition to slavery was tepid at best and non-existent at worst.
And much later...
In full post rebellion revisionist bloom. But let's see what Lee was saying about slavery in January 1865, mere months before he surrendered:
"Considering the relation of master and slave, controlled by humane laws and influenced by Christianity and an enlightened public sentiment, as the best that can exist between the white and black races while intermingled as at present in this country, I would deprecate any sudden disturbance of that relation unless it be necessary to avert a greater calamity to both. I should therefore prefer to rely upon our white population to preserve the ratio between our forces and those of the enemy, which experience has shown to be safe. But in view of the preparations of our enemies, it is our duty to provide for continued war and not for a battle or a campaign, and I fear that we cannot accomplish this without overtaxing the capacity of our white population."
Calling slavery "the best that can exist between the white and black races" does not sound like someone who rejoiced at its end.
There’s that Pharisaical Yankee sanctimony bubbling up again. After the war was over, do you recall which Union states welcomed the newly freed slaves? Hint: There weren’t any. Every northern state without exception rushed to enact laws inhibiting the settlement of blacks.
Incorrect but regardless, look how the Southern states treated their newly freed citizens? Every one passed black laws designed to return the freed blacks to a condition as closely resembling slavery as possible.