Humanity loves all winners, history is written by them. Most losers of history are disgraced, their names dragged through the mud, and quickly forgotten. However, every now and then, a man or woman comes around that bucks the trend. They are remembered in their loss as well as, if not higher than, the victor. General Robert E. Lee is one of those losers. A man so deified by the South after his surrender to General Grant at Appomattox Court House, that he has come to define the South. There was no man more chivalrous, humble, and dignified, and his letters proved it so.
Robert E. Lee Jr. compiled this excellent collection of letters, and remembrances in 1904 to the betterment of society. Through this book, the reader is introduced personally to a man that stands high in the annals of time. Although the Civil War and the results have marred the history of the United States, of the few benefits that came out from this war, Robert E. Lee ranks highest.
General Lee was the kindest, most affectionate and chivalrous man that ever led an army. Through his character and his actions he led the ragtag Army of Northern Virginia through terrible winters, vastly outnumbered at most engagements, and without adequate supplies. He lived as his soldiers did: cold, hungry and in tents. Even when offered housing and better food by the people around his encampments, he turned it down. His men put such trust in him, that they would follow him to the ends of the earth. They also knew that he was always willing to listen to the appeals and the problems of his men. Many of his letters included these problems his men had, and whenever conversing with his family he always wished for more socks or supplies for his men.
His letters to his family during the war show such affection and service that one is surprised this man was at war while writing these. A man that had certain pressing engagements constantly around him, always found time to write to his wife and children. He constantly remembered the personal lives of his soldiers and officers. Treating them as his sons, and as real people. Not just cannon fodder ready to be thrown to the wolves.
After his army faced disasters through the mismanagement of troops and equipment by others Lee would not blame others. Jefferson Davis once wrote,
“Yet, through al this, with a magnanimity rarely equaled, he stood in silence, without defending himself or allowing others to defend him, for he was unwilling to offend anyone who was wearing a sword and striking blows for the Confederacy (p.45.)”
When other men challenged Lee’s skills or leadership. Others were more than willing to come to his aid. General Stonewall Jackson is quoted as saying, “ He is cautions. He ought to be. But he is not slow. Lee is a phenomenon. He is the only man whom I would follow blindfold (p.83.)” This is high praise from another of the South’s consummate generals.
He was known to have a love of children and animals. Always willing to play with young children and offering help to all. His affection for his horses, Traveller (as recognizable as the rider) and Lucy Long is amazing. Not to mention the love he showed to his family’s animals at home.
What amazes even more is the extreme humility that was showed by this gentleman. Always placing the efforts of God, his family, and his men before his own. His belief in God, and religion showed throughout all of his works. He attended church every Sunday, even most of the Sundays of the Civil War (battles notwithstanding.) During his tenure as President of Washington College (later renamed Washington and Lee,) he kept in close contact with the Young Christians and placed the rebuilding and improving the chapel as the highest priority for the school.
His son defined his devotion as, “His was a practical, everyday religion, which supported him all through his life, enabled him to bear with equanimity every reverse of fortune, and to accept her gifts without undue elation (p. 93.)” This stoicism is a mark of few men, but should be upheld as a guide for future generations of men. In a letter to his wife, the General states, “What a glorious world Almighty God has given us. How thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labor to mar his gifts (p.32)” The humility he showed throughout his life, embarrasses my ego, and gives an image to reach for.
General Lee was also increasingly dignified throughout his life. Alexander Stephens, Vice-President of the CSA said of the General, “What I had seen General Lee to be at first – childlike in simplicity and unselfish in his character – he remained, unspoiled by praise and by success (p. 65.)” This is the type of compliment Lee received almost constantly through his life. Further personified by Colonel William Preston Johnson, a faculty member at Washington College.
I never saw him take an ungraceful posture. No matter how long or fatiguing a faculty meeting might be, he always preserved and attitude in which dignity, decorum, and grace were united. He was a very well built man, with rounded body and limbs, and seemed without the slightest affectation of effort to sit or stand or walk just as a gentleman should. He was never in a hurry, and all his gestures were easy and significant. He was always an agreeable companion. There was a good deal on bonhomie and pleasantry in his conversation. He was not exactly witty, nor was he very humorous, though he gave a light turn to table talk and enjoyed exceedingly any pleasantry or fun, even. He often made a quaint or slightly caustic remark, but he too care that it should not be too trenchant (p. 285)
This man received such high praise from all of those around him. However, it is his own words and actions that show his dignity in the highest. In a letter to a fellow General (Longstreet), Lee states,
“I am of the opinion that all who can should vote for the most intelligent, honest, and conscientious men eligible to office, irrespective of former party opinions, who will endeavor to make the new constitutions and the laws passed under them as beneficial as possible to the true interests, prosperity, and liberty of all classes and conditions of the people (p. 242.)”
Words like these show a man who was not troubled by his losses or the past. He merely hoped optimistically for the future of the United States always. This dignity cannot be taken away from him, no matter how people look at the Civil War. There were many problems associated with the Civil War. But for this man it was easy to fight, for he would not turn his back on his home state nor what he thought of as the Union. “All that the South has ever desired was that the Union, as established by our forefathers, should be preserved, and that the government as originally organized should be administered in purity and truth (p.202.)”
There is no better praise than to be praised in defeat. There is no greater honor shown to a loser than shown to General Robert E. Lee. His life and his words offer a glimpse into a man led by duty, and of such caliber that all should wish to emulate. I hope that I can live according to the principles that Lee lived, but know that I will assuredly fall short. This portrait has opened my eyes to a challenging time in the history of the United States and I recommend it to all who wish to gain an appreciation of character.
Be the gentlemen and ladies that Robert E. Lee would be proud of.
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