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Robert E. Lee Quotes
1807–1870 United States
Robert Edward Lee (19 January, 1807 – 12 October, 1870) was an American soldier known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia (and eventually all the armies of the Confederacy as general-in-chief) in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865.
United States Deaths Episcopalians Military leaders Also known as: Robert E Lee
Random Robert E. Lee quote
46 quotes
I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself.
It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
Peter's Quotations: Ideas for Our Time (1977)
I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union.
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.
A Life of General Robert E. Lee (1871)
My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men.
Negroes belonging to our citizens are not considered subjects of exchange and were not included in my proposition.
The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically.
Still, 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.
I am glad to see one real American here.
You must be frank with the world; frankness is the child of honesty and courage.
Extraordinary Lives: The Art and Craft of American Biography (1986)
A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
I think it would be better for Virginia if she could get rid of them. That is no new opinion with me. I have always thought so, and have always been in favor of emancipation - gradual emancipation.
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.
You see what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy to possess what was given me; for that reason, it has been taken away.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
General Robert E. Lee After Appomattox (1922)
I should NOT be trading on the blood of my men.
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.
We must consider its effect on the country as a whole.
Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university.
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