Lee, Robert E.

[civilwartalk]

A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets, and in which strife and civil war are to take the place of brotherly love and kindness, has no charm for me.

-- Robert E. Lee, January 1861

[civilwartalk]

"It is well that war is so terrible--we should grow too fond of it"

- Robert E. Lee gave this observation while watching thousands of Union soldiers sent to the slaughter at Fredericksburg

[civilwartalk]

"It is all my fault."

Robert E. Lee after the 3rd day at Gettysburg, PA.

[civilwartalk]

"General Longstreet, when once in a fight, was a most brilliant soldier; but he was the hardest man to move I had in my army."

--Robert E. Lee

[johan_steele]

Abandon your animosities, and make your sons Americans.

R.E.Lee

"I am desirous that the bravery and devotion of the Army of Northern Virginia be correctly transmitted to posterity. This is the only tribute that can now be paid to the worth of its noble officers and soldiers." ... General Robert E. Lee

"He is at rest now, and we who are left are the ones to suffer."

Robert E Lee, with tears in his eyes, upon hearing of the death of Gen A.P. Hill

[traveller]

"I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation."

-- Col. Robert E. Lee, U.S.A. in a letter to his son Custis, January 23, 1861

[traveller]

"I shall carry with me to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, & your name & fame will always be dear to me. Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword."

-- Robert E. Lee to General Winfield Scott,
Resigning his commission with the US Army.

[traveller]

"We always understood each other. I feel they may continue to make these changes till they find someone I don't understand."

-- Robert E. Lee Nov. 10 1862 upon hearing that McClellan was no longer in charge of the Union Army.