[LadyJD]

I would like to see a discussion of the great General Lee on this thread. Please post quotes by or about Lee.

Thank you.

[LadyJD]

**”I saw in States' Rights the only availing check upon the absolutism of the sovereign will, and secession filled me with hope, not as the destruction but as the redemption of Democracy . . . I deemed that you [i.e., Lee] were fighting the battles of our liberty, our progress, and our civilization; and I mourn for the stake which was lost at Richmond more deeply than I rejoice over that which was saved at Waterloo.” –Lord Acton to General Lee**

[2Trievers]

And why not what it takes to be a Southern Gentleman? ... that could be interesting as well ...

[tbeatty]

Greatest quote ever:

"We surrender." - General Lee, Appomattox Courthouse 1865

[2Trievers]

Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia

by Robert E. Lee

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.

You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

[tbeatty]

"I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony."

- Robert E. Lee made this statement following the end of hostilities.

[2Trievers]

Yikes! Sorry IC!

[tbeatty]

"All this has been my fault."

- Robert E. Lee repeatedly spoke this line to the survivors of Pickett's Charge

[Ditter]

This reminds me of a pet peeve of mine. When the TV newsperson is talking about the scum that has murdered, raped, robbed, an innocent person & refers to them as "a gentleman" I go nuts screaming at the TV. There was a black woman, Melanie Lawson, in Houston who was especially bad about this.

[Fiddlstix]

Bump

[solzhenitsyn]

"It is well that war is so terrible, or we should get too fond of it."

[solzhenitsyn]

"I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself."

[solzhenitsyn]

"Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one."

I like that one; it has special meaning to me.

[solzhenitsyn]

I have the highest esteem for Gen. Lee personally, but I'm glad the United States of America was preserved intact and I'm glad slavery was ended forever in this country.

My father has a book of Gen. Lee's letters. I've enjoyed reading them. He was a great general and a great man.

[Polybius]

"It is all my fault."

Robert E. Lee to the shattered remnants of Pickett's division.

(Can anyone imagine William Jefferson Clinton ever uttering those words?)

[calmseas]

Robert E. Lee was the consummate gentlemen. One of the truly great men of our history.

[Romulus]

“I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings. And have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.”

[Godebert]

Review at Brandy Station

[Truthsayer20]

Wasn't Lee opposed to secession?

[TADSLOS]

"Teach him that he must deny himself"

R.E. Lee, when asked for a blessing for a boy

[NC_Libertarian]

I would like to see a discussion of the great General Lee on this thread.