Robert E. Lee Military Commander
- Gender: Male
- Citizenship: United States
- Born: Jan 19, 1807
- Died: Oct 12, 1870
Robert Edward Lee was an American soldier best known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. The son of Revolutionary War officer Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III and a top graduate of the United States Military Academy, Robert E. Lee was an exceptional officer and combat engineer in the United States Army for 32 years. During this time, he served throughout the United States, distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War, served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, and married Mary Custis.
When Virginia declared its secession from the Union in April 1861, Lee chose to follow his home state, despite his personal desire for the country to remain intact and despite an offer of a senior Union command. During the first year of the Civil War, Lee served as a senior military adviser to President Jefferson Davis. Once he took command of the main field army in 1862 he soon emerged as a shrewd tactician and battlefield commander, winning most of his battles, all against far superior Union armies.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
the law
What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.
war
It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.
war
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
strength
The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.
war & wisdom
I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God.
God & hope
It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.
war
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
trust
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
failure & God
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
education
This war is not about slavery.
war