"I grieve for posterity, for American principles and American liberty."
-Robert E. Lee
A man of complex dichotomy, Gen. Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate States Army, was also a devout Christian, devoted husband, and father of seven. Described as "audacity personified," Lee grieved for those wounded or killed under his command. Indeed, the "Marble Man," was also concerned for the innocent Yankee civilians who were hurt throughout the War for Southern Independence. Upon hearing that Stonewall Jackson's arm had been amputated, Lee said, "He has lost his left arm; but I have lost my right arm."
Lee's opinions on life, family and children, women, politics, Yankees, and war are collected here, many taken from his personal letters. On the subject of war, Lee, officer and gentleman, said, "It is well that war is so terrible; we should grow too fond of it."
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Devereaux D. Cannon, Jr., an attorney, is a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, the Sons of the Revolution, the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, and the Company of Military Historians. Cannnon is also the author of The Flags of the Confederacy: An Illustrated History, The Flags of the Union: An Illustrated History, and The Flags of Tennessee, all published by Pelican.
