Josephus, I'm a born and bred Yankee whose people fought for the Union (one lost an arm). That said I have always held General Lee in the very highest regard. He never favored secession (he thought it was illegal). And he regarded slavery with deep distaste. But when offered command of the Federal Army he declined saying he could not in conscience bear arms against his neighbors and family. He was the very soul of honor.
yeah real class guy, like how in the last months he would order mass charges that would be so pathetic the United States soldiers would yell at them to turn back, of course they didnt and got torn apart with their attacks having zero effect on US lines. Imagine thousands of men suffering from malnutrition marching miles with no shoes, and the colonel there there with his dress uniform in his Cadillac of a wagon with his black slaves serving him amongst the middle of such a sad army.
Favorite story, a fitting end to his career, is at Appomattox him being absolutely shock seeing Gen. Grant in muddy standard issued enlisted fatigues compared to his immaculate decorative uniform.
Let's not forget Pickett's Charge, Lee's most well known accomplishment.
140 years ago today Robert E. Lee died.
As a Southern boy from a Southern family that fought in the War of Northern Aggression I thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteDeo Vindice!
Josephus,
ReplyDeleteI'm a born and bred Yankee whose people fought for the Union (one lost an arm). That said I have always held General Lee in the very highest regard. He never favored secession (he thought it was illegal). And he regarded slavery with deep distaste. But when offered command of the Federal Army he declined saying he could not in conscience bear arms against his neighbors and family. He was the very soul of honor.
In ICXC
John
Isn't he also one of only a few cadets to graduate the military academy with no demerits?
ReplyDeleteYes, he was a true gentleman.
Angela
I never bought the deification of Lee.
ReplyDeleteGood summary here: http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/08/arlington-bobby-lee-and-the-peculiar-institution/61428/
Gentleman, Shmentleman. Respect for decorum does not outweigh a lack of respect for the basic dignity of half the surrounding population.
yeah real class guy, like how in the last months he would order mass charges that would be so pathetic the United States soldiers would yell at them to turn back, of course they didnt and got torn apart with their attacks having zero effect on US lines. Imagine thousands of men suffering from malnutrition marching miles with no shoes, and the colonel there there with his dress uniform in his Cadillac of a wagon with his black slaves serving him amongst the middle of such a sad army.
ReplyDeleteFavorite story, a fitting end to his career, is at Appomattox him being absolutely shock seeing Gen. Grant in muddy standard issued enlisted fatigues compared to his immaculate decorative uniform.
Let's not forget Pickett's Charge, Lee's most well known accomplishment.