By Robert E. Lee, born January 19, 1807, was a prominent American soldier in the Civil War. Hailing from Virginia, he’s recognized as one of the greatest military minds in U.S. history. Leading the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, his tactical brilliance secured significant victories against the Union despite smaller forces.
A product of a prestigious Virginia family, Lee excelled at West Point, later contributing to U.S. Army engineering projects. When the Civil War began, he chose Virginia over leading Union forces, driven by a commitment to states’ rights and loyalty.
Lee’s audacious and successful campaigns, including battles like Bull Run and Fredericksburg, showcased his relentless determination and tactical genius. Despite early successes, the turning point came at Gettysburg, leading to the gradual surrender of the Confederate Army in 1865.
Post-war, Lee advocated for reconciliation and served as president of Washington College, focusing on education and national healing. He passed away on October 12, 1870, leaving a debated legacy but an undeniable impact on American history.
Robert E. Lee Quotes
Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less.
Robert E. Lee
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
Robert E. Lee
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
Robert E. Lee
It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.
Robert E. Lee
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
Robert E. Lee
It is history that teaches us to hope.
Robert E. Lee
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world!
Robert E. Lee
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
Robert E. Lee
We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them.
Robert E. Lee
True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them—the desire to do right—is precisely the same.
Robert E. Lee
Quotes From Robert E. Lee
The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
Robert E. Lee
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.
Robert E. Lee
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
Robert E. Lee
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
Robert E. Lee
We must be vigilant, and the way to do this is to watch always and be on our guard. We should never feel secure until our enemy is destroyed.
Robert E. Lee
The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.
Robert E. Lee
I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.
Robert E. Lee
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
Robert E. Lee
I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself.
Robert E. Lee
It is a good thing that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee Quotes About War
What a cruel thing war is… to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.
Robert E. Lee
It is history that teaches us to hope.
Robert E. Lee
I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.
Robert E. Lee
We failed, but in the good providence of God, apparent failure often proves a blessing.
Robert E. Lee
True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another.
Robert E. Lee
In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee’s Quotes On Slavery
So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that slavery is abolished.
Robert E. Lee
I think it wiser, moreover, not to keep open the sores of war but to follow the example of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of civil strife, to commit to oblivion the feelings engendered.
Robert E. Lee
The best men in the South have been among the most earnest to relieve the condition of the negro, in a way not justifiable before the public.
Robert E. Lee
