Review at Brandy Station
Posted on 01/19/2002 5:03:13 PM PST by LadyJD
"The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman. The power which the strong have over the weak, the employer over the employed, the educated over the unlettered, the experienced over the confiding, even the clever over the silly-the forbearing or inoffensive use of all this power or authority, or a total abstinence from it when the case admits it, will show the gentleman in a plain light. The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others." --Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee to the shattered remnants of Pickett's division.
For those who have not been to Gettysburg, you must go. All Americans should spend a day at Gettysburg at some point in their lives. In many ways, the essence of who we are as Americans is distilled in this one, hallowed place.
Lee died in the President's House at Washington College (later to be name Washington and Lee College) on October 12, 1870.
Dubyanel bump.
Astute observation.
One of the great works of modern literature, IMO, is Traveller by Richard Adams.
Although Adams is a contemporary writer (Watership Down) it is obvious that he is a serious student (and admirer) of Lee. You will probably not be able to put this book down once you start it. I am not going to give away any of the book's secrets because that would be a disservice to you; but I'd be willing to bet that you will feel like the reviewer below. I do. We read this book aloud to our children TWICE.
A review:
Since borrowing this book from the Public Library several years ago I have constantly searched for a copy. No other book about the Civil War had such a lingering impact on my Southern consciousness. How perfect that an animal, General Lee's beloved horse, reveals to us the stark realities of war with none of the political alignments of a human narrator. I wish this book were back in print...I would buy enough copies to insure that my family for generations to come would read it and "remember" what war really is.
Bill Clinton was president (and distracted bystander) while the United States enjoyed a period of unprecedented prosperity. Robert E. Lee, on the other hand, was the foremost military leader of a rebellion that failed catastrophically. The uprising was crushed with immense loss of life, and the breakaway states were left in poverty for generations afterward.
Barely out of the White House, President Clinton is already sinking into oblivion and irrelevance. Even most of his supporters know him for who he is -- a hollow grifter and relentless self-promoter. Over a hundred years after the crushing of the Confederacy, millions of Americans, Northerners and Southerners, hold for Gen. Lee the sort of love and unbounded esteem that only Bill Clinton will ever feel for Bill Clinton.
Maybe character does matter, after all. Maybe there are greater and higher things in life than just " ... the economy, stupid".
Now I hear the soft tread of the approaching Sandman, so I bid you good night. Thank you for the remembrance and excellent discussion of a great American. A pleasant end to a good day.
"The war was a conflict over grammar - whether the proper grammar was "the united States are" or "the United States is"."
Basil Gildersleeve
You are the epitome of the Southern Gentleman.
America lost that war.
Review at Brandy Station
To his daughter, he wrote, "I hope you will also find time to read and improve your mind. Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances. Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret."
"All that the South has ever desired was the Union as established by our forefathers should be preserved and that the government as originally organized should be administered in purity and truth."
Gen. Robert E. Lee
"We could have pursued no other course without dishonour. And as sad as the results have been, if it had all to be done over again, we should be compelled to act in precisely the same manner."
General Robert E. Lee, C.S.A.
"The veteran Confederate soldier was a typical gentleman. He was gentle as a lamb, brave as a lion and as ferocious as a tiger when aroused. He was as proud as Lucifer, as retiring as a woman and withal a hero on the field of battle. He knelt to no God but high heaven. He asked no friend but his sword." —Col. John P. Hickman, CSA
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.