Robert E. Lee – Celebrated General of the South
Robert Edward Lee stands as a towering, albeit controversial, figure in American history. Best known for his leadership of the Confederate States Army during the tumultuous years of the Civil War, his name evokes images of strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and a profound sense of duty. Appointed the overall commander, Robert E. Lee helmed the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy’s most powerful military force, from 1862 until its ultimate surrender in 1865. His legacy, however, is complex, intertwined with the painful history of slavery and secession, making him a subject of ongoing debate and re-evaluation.
Born into a distinguished Virginia family, Lee’s early life was steeped in the traditions of the Old South. He arrived into the world on January 19, 1807, at a plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the fifth child of Henry "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, a celebrated hero of the American Revolution, and his second wife, Anne Hill Carter Lee. From his father, he inherited a legacy of military service and a deep connection to the land. His upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of honor, duty, and a commitment to the values of his society.
Lee’s formal education began at the Alexandria Academy, where he received a solid foundation in classical subjects. In 1825, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, embarking on a path that would define his life. He proved to be an exceptional student, excelling in his studies and demonstrating a natural aptitude for military science. He graduated second in his class in 1829, a testament to his intellectual abilities and disciplined approach to learning. Remarkably, he achieved this distinction without incurring a single demerit, a rare feat that speaks volumes about his character and adherence to regulations. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a brevet 2nd Lieutenant in the prestigious Corps of Engineers, signaling the start of a promising military career.
On June 30, 1831, Lee entered into matrimony with Mary Ann Randolph Custis, solidifying his connection to one of Virginia’s most prominent families. Their union produced seven children, three sons who would later follow their father’s footsteps and serve in the Confederate army during the Civil War. Family was a central aspect of Robert E. Lee‘s life, and his letters reveal a deep affection for his wife and children.
For fifteen years, Lee served with distinction in the Corps of Engineers, undertaking a variety of assignments that honed his skills in military engineering and leadership. His duties included constructing fortifications, improving waterways, and conducting surveys. The outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846 provided him with an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities on the battlefield.
During the Mexican-American War, Lee distinguished himself as a brilliant staff officer, serving under General Winfield Scott. His exceptional scouting missions and courageous conduct earned him repeated promotions, culminating in the rank of Colonel. His contributions were vital to the American war effort, and he gained invaluable experience in planning and executing military operations.
Following the Mexican-American War, Lee was appointed superintendent of West Point in 1852, a position he held for three years. In this role, he oversaw the curriculum, discipline, and training of future officers, shaping the next generation of American military leaders. His tenure at West Point further solidified his reputation as a respected and knowledgeable military figure. In 1857, he became a Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry, serving in Texas until 1861. During this time, he gained firsthand experience in dealing with frontier conflicts and maintaining order in a volatile region.
As the nation drifted toward civil war, Lee faced a profound moral dilemma. Though a Virginian by birth and deeply attached to his home state, he was a staunch Unionist and initially opposed secession. He considered it a form of "revolution." The commanding general of the Union Army, Winfield Scott, recognized Lee’s exceptional talents and offered him a top command post in the Union Army. Lee expressed his willingness to accept, provided his native state of Virginia remained within the Union. Despite his Southern roots, he held a deep respect for the Constitution and harbored no particular sympathy for the institution of slavery. The events that unfolded in the spring of 1861 would test his loyalties and ultimately alter the course of his life.
When Virginia seceded from the Union in April 1861, Lee found himself at a crossroads. He agonized over the decision, torn between his loyalty to the nation and his allegiance to his home state. Ultimately, he chose to resign his commission in the U.S. Army rather than participate in suppressing what he perceived as his own people. This decision, made just two days after being offered command of U.S. forces, demonstrated the depth of his conviction and the agonizing nature of the choice he faced. He traveled to Richmond, where he accepted a commission as Commander-in-Chief of Virginia’s military and naval forces. When these forces were integrated into the Confederate services, he was appointed a Brigadier General in the Confederate States of America, solidifying his commitment to the Southern cause.
Robert E. Lee quickly rose through the ranks of the Confederate Army, demonstrating his exceptional military skills and strategic acumen. He possessed a keen understanding of terrain, a talent for anticipating his opponent’s moves, and an ability to inspire his troops to extraordinary feats of valor. He took the initiative and acted swiftly, as evidenced by his successful efforts to cut off Union supplies and reinforcements at Seven Pines. He also thwarted General George B. McClellan’s threat to Richmond during the Seven Days Battles (June 26-July 2, 1862), a series of hard-fought engagements that saved the Confederate capital. However, not all of Lee’s early engagements were successful. He suffered a setback at the Battle of Cheat Mountain (September 12-15, 1861) in present-day West Virginia. He then focused on organizing coastal defenses before returning to Richmond in March 1862 to serve as a military advisor to Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
In the spring of 1862, Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia, a position that would define his legacy. He quickly transformed the army into a formidable fighting force, leading them to a series of impressive victories against larger and better-equipped Union armies. His leadership during the Peninsula Campaign demonstrated his strategic brilliance, as he skillfully maneuvered his forces to outwit and outflank his opponents. By August, he had achieved a decisive victory at the Second Battle of Bull Run (Manassas), Virginia, further solidifying his reputation as a military genius. He then boldly invaded Maryland, culminating in the bloody Battle of Antietam, a tactical draw that nevertheless halted his advance into the North. In May 1863, Lee and General Stonewall Jackson achieved a stunning victory at Chancellorsville, Virginia, overcoming a significantly larger Union force through daring tactics and audacious maneuvers.
Lee continued to lead his troops in numerous battles throughout the remainder of the war, consistently demonstrating his tactical prowess and unwavering determination. He was promoted to General-in-Chief of the Confederate forces on January 31, 1865, but by that point, the tide of the war had turned decisively against the South. The Confederate army was depleted by casualties, disease, and desertion, and the Union forces were closing in. When the Union launched a successful attack on Petersburg, Virginia, on April 2, 1865, Lee was forced to abandon Richmond and retreat westward. A week later, his forces were surrounded at Appomattox Court House, marking the end of his military career and the beginning of the Confederacy’s collapse.
On April 9, 1865, Robert E. Lee made the difficult decision to surrender his army to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. This act of surrender, while marking the end of the Confederacy, was also a testament to Lee’s character and his willingness to accept the inevitable. The terms of surrender offered by Grant were generous, reflecting the Union’s desire for reconciliation and a swift return to peace.
Following the war, Lee sought to contribute to the healing of the nation. He moved to a friend’s plantation in Cartersville, before accepting the presidency of Washington College (later renamed Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia, in October 1865. He dedicated himself to educating young men, promoting reconciliation, and encouraging the rebuilding of the South. He remained in this role until his death in late September 1870, when he suffered a stroke. He passed away on October 12, and his body was laid to rest beneath the Lee Chapel at the University, where it remains today.
Despite the controversy surrounding his role in the Confederacy, Robert E. Lee remains a celebrated figure in the South. His military achievements, his sense of duty, and his post-war efforts to promote reconciliation have earned him lasting respect and admiration. Numerous monuments stand as testaments to his legacy, and his birthday is commemorated as a holiday in several Southern states. He remains a complex and controversial figure, but his impact on American history is undeniable.
His quote, "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," encapsulates his humility and deep sense of responsibility.