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My attempt to write an essay of less than 200 words.
Robert E. Lee was loyal to the Union, however, his loyalty to his state was stronger and it was with difficulty that he resigned his commission and turned down an offer to command the Union Army. After the war, he told his soldiers to become good citizens and to serve the Union as well as they had the Confederacy. He is not the flawless demi-god that the Southern Lost Cause proponents made him out to be. He owned slaves (as did most plantation owners) and signed their papers of manumission only after his plantation in Arlington was captured. However, I can find no truer picture of a Christian Gentleman than Robert E. Lee. When one Confederate officer saw the Union Army parading across the river, he said he wish that they could throw a hundred shells among them and kill them all. Lee responded, "Oh no, do not wish that. Wish that they were all at their homes with their friends and that they would stay there."
What do you think Mars Robert would think of the hoopla?
If he were alive the ladies all across Virginia would be vying to bring him the best lemon cake. I have a reprint of a cookbook titled, Housekeeping in Old Virginia, originally published in 1868 (I believe, have to look it up), and there is a lemon cake recipe with a few words about it being the General's favorite.
I thought that was interesting, particularly since General Jackson, also, had a fondness for lemons.
Regards,
Rose
__________________ "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names".--J.F.K.
The War Between the States established... This principle that the Federal Government is, through its courts, this final judge of its own powers.
-- Woodrow Wilson
Rose: I'm sure Lee loved lemon cake as have most Americans, before and since. Might be fun to try that recipe. Jackson's fondness for lemons bordered on the neurotic, certainly Lee's fondness was was no more than gustatory appreciation. Ole :-)
__________________ I never knew a man who wished to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing that no man desires for himself. A. Lincoln
Union Ancersor: Pvt Arnuah Norton, 60th Ohio. (G-G-G Grandfather) Died at Salisbury NC, November 3, 1864
Confederate Ancestors: Captain Thomas A. Morrow, 29th Texas Cavalry (G-G-G- Uncle) and 2LT George W. Morrow, 31st Texas Cavalry (G-G-G Grandfather). Both survived the war
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Robert E. Lee's Birthday... Jan. 19 
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