right or wrong anyone would defend their homeland.....as for being a slaveowner all that can be noted to anything else he is given.....how many even knew he had slaves....I didn't.....all I knew of him...great general.....reluctant leader of the rebellion....and wanted no recognition for it
Robert E. Lee resigns from U.S. Army after Virginia secedes from Union
Colonel
Robert E. Lee resigns from the United States army two days after he was offered command of the Union army and three days after his native state,
Virginia, seceded from the Union.
Lee opposed secession, but he was a loyal ******* of Virginia. His official resignation was only one sentence, but he wrote a longer explanation to his friend and mentor, General
Winfield Scott, later that day. Lee had fought under Scott during the
Mexican-American War (1846-48), and he revealed to his former commander the depth of his struggle. Lee spoke with Scott on April 18, and explained that he would have resigned then “but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted the best years of my life and all the ability I possess.” Lee expressed gratitude for the kindness shown him by all in the army during his 25-year service, but Lee was most grateful to Scott. “To no one, general, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration…” He concluded with this poignant sentiment: “Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword.”
Colonel Robert E. Lee resigns from the United States army two days after he was offered command of the Union army and three days after his native state,
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