Union Still needed to be preserved.Robert E Lee is a well respected General.Or we would have looked like Roman Empire East and West and everything would have fallen apart.
A fitting tribute to one of the greatest commanders of all time. Lee was an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the phrase and a great American. Southerners everywhere still hold him in great honor and affection-I know I do.
I adore this piece.It bears an air of triumph,yet there is a distinct note of sadness present also.A perfect piece for a great man.God save the South from Great Britain.
@eringobragh915 It's traditionally celebrated on the Monday before...MLK Day is also Robert E Lee Day...Alabama is the only state that gives its employees the holiday off.
я живу в россии. это так далеко от США... как территориально, так и идеологией и политикой... но Роберт Э. Ли мой герой. Гордитесь, что он ваш соотечественник!
@dieKotletku Thanks! For those who don't understand Russian, Yahoo translates the above as, "I live in Russia. this so far from the USA… as is territorial, so also by ideology and by policy… but by Robert [E]. Lee my hero. You are proud, that he is your compatriot!"
Certainly one of the most important. His message of acceptance and reconciliation and getting on with your life is one of the chief reasons why the south did not turn into a situation like Northern Ireland.
Robert E Lee takes his place among generals like Alexander the Great and Julius Ceaser in my opinion. If the confederacy had had better resources and more officers like him they would have won the war.
There were two generals who fought for two very different Americas. Ulysses S. Grant fought for one vision, Robert E. Lee fought for the other vision. God created all men as equals, no man is subordinate to another, we are all servants of God. Therefore Ulysses S. Grant and the Union is the side I would align myself with.
me too , Dark, but you can respect your enemy , especially when of Lee's quality. Being your compatriot brother , it would make it even easier to do so. He served very honorable in the Mexican war, finding the way through the notorious Pedregal. Some of his best moments were in defeat. At Gettysburg, he showed extreme leadership in accepting the whole blame and regrouping his battered army. Also, he honorably surrendered, rather than lead the country to eternal guerilla war.
General Robert E Lee, a man of honor, integrity and vision.... may his wisdom, character and ideals, of life, liberty and freedom, live on in the hearts and minds of all those who love and value freedom of expression and the individuality of character.
truly a giant amongst men his greatness transcends the years and gives us the very best roll model i have never seen so much respect and admiration for a general outstanding . all for the dear old flag!
Im not from United State of America, but i can`t stand that way the North always is looking down and making fun of the South. I love your history and i will one day visit the great south.
General Lee is my favorite general in American History. He managed to make an army much smaller than the Union a formidable force against them! That takes great tactical wisdom and courage!
truly a noble man, of all the generals the south could have appointed he was the best, not so much in tactics but his style and grace with reconcilitation.
You don't have to post this if you don't want, but, FYI, if you want to see what I'm talking about, check out "Abraham Lincoln - A Tribute (Ashokan Farewell) by Manny. There's one guy, IloveMary35, who I tangled with, got rude to, finally apologized to for calling him Jethro and Cousin Cornpone. Not my finest hour. He's currently wrangling with someone else. He makes absolutely no sense, never answers directly, and has some of the craziest notions I've ever encountered.
He sounds like a so-called "neo-Confederate." I get "South gonna rise agin" type comments from these persons occasionally, as well as uglier remarks, but I always disallow them. These idiots would be an embarrassment to Lee. He'd be ashamed.
Well put, sir. It bothered me that a site dedicated to Lincoln, a man who dedicated his life to, and ultimately was murdered, for his efforts to preseve the Union, is now a sounding board for those who'd like to weaken it. Anyway, thanks for your good site and intelligent commentary. Soldier on, my friend.
Tried to ask on another website, but the pro-secessionists wouldn't answer. I'm a Yankee lady, but am so fascinated by the South and mechanics of a possible secession. In an era of globalization, when we need to present a united front to foreign terrorists, how would a seceeding state operate? Wouldn't it weaken our Union? If invaded, how would state do w/out protection of fed troops ? Game plan for kind of govt.? Could it all really work? Great stuff for a novel! More to ask but out of room.
That was my contention, but these southern guys just kept protesting that it would, without telling me how, and that my questions weren't important or relevant. I got frustrated and stopped posting. Who was the guy who said that the Confederacy "died of a theory?" By the way, I love your site. The southern generals and officers were certainly dashing and colorful, were they not?
Well, Lee received an offer to be the Chief Commander of the Union armed forces. However, he replied to Lincoln that he was born in Virginia and will defend his homeland no matter what. I think that it shows a lot of patriotism from him...
Hey this is really good, i have to do a glog for school, glog, not blog, glog, and i was wondering if i could put it in??? I wanted to ask your permission first though. Thanks!
So, everybody here is related to Robert E. Lee? So am I! My great, great, etc. grandmother was his first born but he gave her up for adoption because she looked like a Yankee. (I'm okay though, therapy helps.)
General Lee had the opportunity to inlict death and devastation upon the northern civilian population when his armies invaded Pennsylvania. It says something about the man when his armies refrained from such barbaric acts. This in contrast with General Sherman and his total war policy where his armies made their infamous march through Georgia with sole purpose of inflicting crimes against humanity upon the sourhern civilian population.
It's true that Sherman did not order his men to do alot of those terrible things, however Sherman knew about it, and he did nothing to prevent it. He did not punish his troops. He just ignored it. Which in my opinion makes him responsible. Also Sherman did intend to punish South Carolina, and do terrible things to them, because he blamed them for the war.
Well, SC *was* the cradle of the rebellion. And you are right, Sherman should have exercised tighter control over his men than he did. Of course he did have 60,000 of them...
I fail to see why Sherman should be given a pass. In 1863 Sherman wrote to Gen. Halleck that to insure that Southerners not have the right to select their own government "we will remove and destroy every obstacle - if need be, every life, every acre of land, every particle of property, everything that to us seems proper." In 1864 Gen. Sherman wrote "I am going into the very bowels of the Confederacy and propose to leave a trail that will be recognized 50 years hence - a track of desolation."
This just in: Sherman was quite a drama queen, and was constantly indulging in melodramatic, if not apocalyptic, hyperbole. I think you need to inform yourself a bit more and get a better feel for Sherman's writing, and then you will realize that you need to stop taking him sooooo seriously and literally. I recommend "Sherman's Civil War" by Brooks Simpson.
It was consistent with his and Lincoln's "total war" tactics. He was the commander of the armies that inflicted devastating actions against the Georgia citizenry. The purpose was to break the spirit of the southern people, no matter what the human cost. He and Lincoln believed this was necessary to win the war to preserve the Union. That's in the history books, but it should not be forgotten that innocent southern civilians suffered inhuman acts of cruelty by the Union army in the process.
Thomas Jefferson did own slaves, but was against it. He even condemed it in a draft of the Declaration Of Independence, but Congress took that stuff out.
Wow, him too. So tell me, were there any slaveowners who WERE in favor of slavery? Like even maybe one or two? Or are you going to continue to call Lee, Jackson, and now Jefferson total hypocrites? 'Cause it's starting to bug me. I must admit, however, that the statement "He owned slaves, but was against it" is one of the funniest things I've read all week, though. Like "We destroyed the village to save it."
I agree with you that 90% of the people who talk about the Emancipation Proclamation have never read it and have no real idea what it says. But, I was just replying to the guy who said the Confederate Constitution was going to eliminate slavery, which is not the case.
The Constitution did protect slaves, but banned adding any new ones! As in new from Africa. Also most Southerners did not care for slavery, and did not have slaves. Robert E. Lee was against slavery, as was Stonewall Jackson!
Both Lee and Jackson owned slaves, you know. They were not embarrassed to be who they were, so there's no reason for you to be embarrassed about it either.
Also, the US banned the import of slaves from Africa in 1808.
Lee was given slaves. He did not buy them, and he freed them. Jackson was called friend of the black man for a reason! He founded the first black Sunday school. Both were against slavery!!! Yes the Confederate Constituion kept the ban on adding slaves from Africa.
Lee inherited his slaves, kept some, and hired others out. He also managed his late father-in-law Mr Custis's slaves at Arlington, and freed them 5 years after Custis died, as per the terms of Custis's will. By that time, the Lees had not lived at Arlington for several years. He kept his body servant, Perry, with him throughout the war.
As for Jackson, he did run a black Sunday school (not the first...LOL) but there is no evidence anywhere that he was against slavery. I did not say Lee and Jackson were cruel or evil, I said they owned slaves. They did. So did Washington, Jefferson, and a whole bunch of people. Remember, they weren't embarrassed. So don't be embarrassed on their behalf. It's insulting to them, like saying they didn't know their own minds. I am sure that is not your intent. So don't be politically correct.
Btw, it may interest you to know that one of Jackson's slaves before the war was a four-year-old mentally disabled orphan girl who he took in because nobody else wanted her. He taught her her catechism and from all reports was very kind. He also had a woman who cooked for him and his family, and the woman's two teenage sons. And of course during the war he had Jim, who he leased from a friend.
I'm not being politically correct. I hate political correctness. I'm just saying that Jackson and Lee were against slavery. Jackson bought slaves to take care of them, and to set them free. Jackson and Lee thought that slavery was God's will, and that he would end it when he wanted. That is why they were not aggressive towards getting rid of it,but trust me they did not like it. Lee even said that he was glad that the slaves were free at the end of the war.
Whatever, man. It's pretty unheard of for someone to fully participate in things they supposedly don't believe in while doing nothing to bring it to an end, that's all I can say.
Truly one of the most admirable, noble, chivalrous men who ever graced this earth. I have always admired him as a symbol of not only Southern aristocracy but American gentility and honor. Few men were/are his equal, and we will never see the likes of him or his legendary Army of Northern Virginia again, sadly. Heroic beyond all words. Five stars and more.
"so far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, i am rejoiced that slavery is abolished. I believe that it will be greatly for the interest of the south. so fully am i satisfied of this that i would have cheerfully lost all that i have lost by the war, and have suffered all that i have suffered to have this object attained". - Gen. Robert E. Lee
I didn't either. I Googled the quote to be sure it was for real before I approved it (you'd be amazed at the crap that people try to post!). He was interviewed in '65 but the writer sat on it for 20 years before publishing. That's odd. Perhaps Lee didn't want people to know he felt that way?
I wish it had been published at the time. It might have done a lot of good.
God bless you Lee. This man was a hero in every sense of the word. Such ardor, such...nobility of manner. *sigh* Northern or Southern, you had to admire this man.
WTF? Dude, you are confused. If the South had won, there wouldn't have been a northern occupation, let alone a need for a "governor general" to "limit the excesses of the Union upon southern civilians."
And Lee already WAS a role model for how southerners should get on with their lives. He did not need to be a politician to do this.
I don't think the two can be sliced. Lincoln understood the South, the Radicals wanted to moralize it down. When it comes to slavery, I would say capital/influence mattered more than ethics. The North felt fine benefiting from slavery. I think the issue was not "Good North" vs. "Bad South". I wonder why it often gets pictured this way...
People many times forget that they were not two different universes on this. Strong racism lived on till the 1960s and 1970s regardless of the Union victory.
Its portrayed that way because the North won. Not hating on the Modern Northern states, but the history is inked by the victorious. The South would've done the same probably if they had won.
Epic fail, man; Lee had an antipathy to politics that made William T. Sherman look like an office-seeker. Given that blacks would not have been free if the CSA had won, I am not sure where you are getting your "better shake" from, but whatever. Your last sentence makes no sense... relations with the US were based on the fact that they had won. It goes without saying that they would've been "more amenable" for the CSA if the CSA had won.
Dear Sir or Madam eringobraugh915: First, I would like to say thank you so very much for posting your fact filled comments. They are really quite delightful to read since i love history and especially about one of the greatest generals,and men, of all time. I have only one disagreement, regarding a post you wrote 6 months ago you said,"...Given that blacks would not be free if the CSA had won...", the disagreement being that the Confederate Constitution abolished slavery. Otherwise, Thank-You:)
The Confederate Constituion banned adding any new slaves to the Confederacy. Yes, the South was on it's way to freeing all the slaves. Also, only about 3 to 6% of the population owned slaves.
Is this what you meant? Where the CSA Const. forbids importing slaves?
Sec. 9. (I) The importation of negroes of the African race from any foreign country other than the slaveholding States or Territories of the United States of America, is hereby forbidden; and Congress is required to pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same.
(2) Congress shall also have power to prohibit the introduction of slaves from any State not a member of, or Territory not belonging to, this Confederacy.
While it's true the CSA Constitution didn't abolish slavery, neither did the original Constitution. One thing that could have been done to help end slavery would have been the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Clause. I've always thought it was in the Constitution because they knew Washington would probably be the first president.
"In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution, is a moral & political evil in any Country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages. I think it however a greater evil to the white man than to the black race...."
"...& while my feelings are strongly enlisted in behalf of the latter, my sympathies are more strong for the former. The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically. The painful discipline they are undergoing, is necessary for their instruction as a race, & I hope will prepare & lead them to better things. How long their subjugation may be necessary is known & ordered by a wise God."
my sources are from a book that elaborates on southerners who sought to either abolish or reform the policies toward those under slavery in the south..
Well regardless with the rest of the quote altogether still points out Lee's views positive and negative on the issue. Lee held slaves and had them released once the emancipation proclamation was decreed. His slaves for the time were treated as family. Its obvious to say that Lee didn't have a problem with abolition.
I doubt Lee felt the Proclamation applied to him, since it applied to areas of the US in rebellion against the federal gov't; in the Confederate view, the Confederate states were no longer in the US. Lee emancipated his father-in-law's slaves as per the dictates of the Custis will; they were to be freed within five years of Custis' death, which are the terms Lee carried out (I think it wound up being 5 years and a few months due to financial troubles w/the estate.)
General Lee, in my opinion, was one of the greatest generals in US history. The armies he was in charge of were significantly smaller than the North's, yet he proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Now THAT is is a great achievement.
to general lee sir you are popular and live on as a legend and a hero. see you when i come home to heaven tell jackson i'll see him soon and god bless you
Amen to all those brave Virginian soldiers and generals same with the rest of the south god bless virginia may she long and prosper old dominion for ever
Robert E. Lee was my childhood hero, he was the embodiment of all that was honorable and just. I realize that he owned slaves, but many people did back then, in fact throughout history slavery has been a common occurrence. We can sit in this present time and judge those in the past so easily. If you had been raised back then, slavery would have been thoroughly ingrained into your psyche.
A tactical defeat only. Strategically, Cold Harbor did nothing for the Confederacy except give them a little false hope. Immediately after Cold Harbor Grant crossed the James River. Lee said if Grant got below the James that it would ultimately end in a Confederate defeat.
I am a descendant of Robert E. Lee and some of these comments are touching, but some are disgusting, talking down about someone of this caliber of morality is downing an American hero, the only thing i can compare this to is talking down to Ronald Reagen, or Martin L. King Jr., it is an appalling display of ignorant judgement
Deo Vindice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MrJpn1996 6 months ago
Union Still needed to be preserved.Robert E Lee is a well respected General.Or we would have looked like Roman Empire East and West and everything would have fallen apart.
murraydonald62 9 months ago
George Washington and Robert E. Lee are my 2 favorite historical people
benknightprime 10 months ago 2
Happy birthday General Lee!
Kev95682 1 year ago 5
Ah Hero!
93Archangel 1 year ago
God save the South!
93Archangel 1 year ago
A fitting tribute to one of the greatest commanders of all time. Lee was an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the phrase and a great American. Southerners everywhere still hold him in great honor and affection-I know I do.
hungarygator 1 year ago 2
I adore this piece.It bears an air of triumph,yet there is a distinct note of sadness present also.A perfect piece for a great man.God save the South from Great Britain.
fredofasgarnia 1 year ago
ALL TIME BEST GENERAL
BubbaLee2 1 year ago
I think the south should have a Robert E.Lee day
mastermonarch 1 year ago 21
@mastermonarch There is one, January 19.
eringobragh915 1 year ago 12
@eringobragh915 It's traditionally celebrated on the Monday before...MLK Day is also Robert E Lee Day...Alabama is the only state that gives its employees the holiday off.
VideoSaySo 1 year ago
There is one Jan 19th which is his birthday, its also Confederate Heros Day in Texas! Some states actually declare it as a state holiday!
MissyGirl88 1 year ago
@mastermonarch
I think that the whole country should have a Robert E. Lee day, he truly was a great man.
greatestescaper 8 months ago
@mastermonarch Actually in Virginia, Martin Luther King Jr Day is also Robert E Lee and Stonewall Jackson Day.
RevBillyRayCollins 6 months ago
я живу в россии. это так далеко от США... как территориально, так и идеологией и политикой... но Роберт Э. Ли мой герой. Гордитесь, что он ваш соотечественник!
dieKotletku 1 year ago 8
@dieKotletku Thanks! For those who don't understand Russian, Yahoo translates the above as, "I live in Russia. this so far from the USA… as is territorial, so also by ideology and by policy… but by Robert [E]. Lee my hero. You are proud, that he is your compatriot!"
eringobragh915 1 year ago 11
great man
TeamEdwardAndBella11 1 year ago
Hourra hourra long life for the general Lee !!!!
anthony010111 1 year ago
After George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, this is the most important American whom ever lived! God Save the South!
Caterpillarjon 1 year ago 13
Certainly one of the most important. His message of acceptance and reconciliation and getting on with your life is one of the chief reasons why the south did not turn into a situation like Northern Ireland.
eringobragh915 1 year ago 4
Robert E Lee takes his place among generals like Alexander the Great and Julius Ceaser in my opinion. If the confederacy had had better resources and more officers like him they would have won the war.
daFattylover 1 year ago
There were two generals who fought for two very different Americas. Ulysses S. Grant fought for one vision, Robert E. Lee fought for the other vision. God created all men as equals, no man is subordinate to another, we are all servants of God. Therefore Ulysses S. Grant and the Union is the side I would align myself with.
DarkReapersGrim 1 year ago
@DarkReapersGrim
me too , Dark, but you can respect your enemy , especially when of Lee's quality. Being your compatriot brother , it would make it even easier to do so. He served very honorable in the Mexican war, finding the way through the notorious Pedregal. Some of his best moments were in defeat. At Gettysburg, he showed extreme leadership in accepting the whole blame and regrouping his battered army. Also, he honorably surrendered, rather than lead the country to eternal guerilla war.
Evocati2008 1 year ago 2
Audacity marked his battles, always audacity.
vetalltheway 1 year ago 2
Greatest generel of all time
Raggare52 2 years ago 3
Happy Birthday General
rebeljebb 2 years ago 7
Happy Birthday General Lee. A General in God's Army Now.
rebeljebb 2 years ago 5
great cousin on my moms side of the family
18greene 2 years ago
my greatgranfathers granmother was lees cousin by blood
MrSetheudy 2 years ago
this was infinetely epic
Dadutta 2 years ago 2
General Robert E Lee, a man of honor, integrity and vision.... may his wisdom, character and ideals, of life, liberty and freedom, live on in the hearts and minds of all those who love and value freedom of expression and the individuality of character.
DocHoliday1882 2 years ago
I am proud to descend from him
i2drunk2kill 2 years ago 2
truly a giant amongst men his greatness transcends the years and gives us the very best roll model i have never seen so much respect and admiration for a general outstanding . all for the dear old flag!
reb198 2 years ago 5
I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. My Family came north from Arkansas looking for a better life during the First Great Depression.
But I shall never forget my heritage or my duty to the South!!!
MJ0428 2 years ago 9
A great man and a great video.
RottenPineapples 2 years ago 4
Im not from United State of America, but i can`t stand that way the North always is looking down and making fun of the South. I love your history and i will one day visit the great south.
MaggareN 2 years ago 34
you will feel welcome in the GREAT SOUTH.
crowsnake18 2 years ago
Im From the north southern pride guys
Tomekwinxs 2 years ago 6
General Lee is my favorite general in American History. He managed to make an army much smaller than the Union a formidable force against them! That takes great tactical wisdom and courage!
I salute you, General Lee!
Kaasha56 2 years ago 4
Great Tribute. Lee is one of my heros. Southern by the grace of god.
systemfan777 2 years ago
greatest general ever lived fightig for his noble cause i can respect amazing good job
hitokiriyahiko2008 2 years ago 6
Butiful
bombergirl716 2 years ago
Robert E Lee.
One of the greatest American Generals in history. Period.
TrollDemon 2 years ago 4
One of the greatest commanders of troops anywhere.
bhalton1 1 year ago 3
truly a noble man, of all the generals the south could have appointed he was the best, not so much in tactics but his style and grace with reconcilitation.
hartshornguy 2 years ago
Lee helped hold the country together with the example he set after the war. He isn't appreciated enough for this.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
You don't have to post this if you don't want, but, FYI, if you want to see what I'm talking about, check out "Abraham Lincoln - A Tribute (Ashokan Farewell) by Manny. There's one guy, IloveMary35, who I tangled with, got rude to, finally apologized to for calling him Jethro and Cousin Cornpone. Not my finest hour. He's currently wrangling with someone else. He makes absolutely no sense, never answers directly, and has some of the craziest notions I've ever encountered.
simplydiv22 2 years ago
He sounds like a so-called "neo-Confederate." I get "South gonna rise agin" type comments from these persons occasionally, as well as uglier remarks, but I always disallow them. These idiots would be an embarrassment to Lee. He'd be ashamed.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Well put, sir. It bothered me that a site dedicated to Lincoln, a man who dedicated his life to, and ultimately was murdered, for his efforts to preseve the Union, is now a sounding board for those who'd like to weaken it. Anyway, thanks for your good site and intelligent commentary. Soldier on, my friend.
simplydiv22 2 years ago
Tried to ask on another website, but the pro-secessionists wouldn't answer. I'm a Yankee lady, but am so fascinated by the South and mechanics of a possible secession. In an era of globalization, when we need to present a united front to foreign terrorists, how would a seceeding state operate? Wouldn't it weaken our Union? If invaded, how would state do w/out protection of fed troops ? Game plan for kind of govt.? Could it all really work? Great stuff for a novel! More to ask but out of room.
simplydiv22 2 years ago
It didn't work before and it wouldn't work now.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
That was my contention, but these southern guys just kept protesting that it would, without telling me how, and that my questions weren't important or relevant. I got frustrated and stopped posting. Who was the guy who said that the Confederacy "died of a theory?" By the way, I love your site. The southern generals and officers were certainly dashing and colorful, were they not?
simplydiv22 2 years ago
I am almost sure that was Jefferson Davis who said that. Thanks for the kind words, and yes, they certainly were. :)
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Some Korean says Mr. Lee was Korean. look up his name. "Lee" He was linked to Chosen Dynasty...Is this right?
radiowave433 2 years ago
No. LOL
"Lee" is also a name in Korea, that's true. But Robert E. Lee, the Civil War general, was certainly not Korean. Does he look Korean to you?
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Virginian by birth, southern by the grace of God. God rest your soul General!!!!
EuroAmerican2009 2 years ago 2
Robert E Lee my idol my role model too bad only 63 at death 180. to 1870 5 yrs after war man that sucks but he will live on in all of us
Jackskull65 2 years ago 3
Well, Lee received an offer to be the Chief Commander of the Union armed forces. However, he replied to Lincoln that he was born in Virginia and will defend his homeland no matter what. I think that it shows a lot of patriotism from him...
HanzzzCZECH 2 years ago 2
Exactly... there's more than one kind of patriot.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Thanks for including that: the whole issue of states rights made Lee a Virginian first.
bookkeeper57 2 years ago
Hey this is really good, i have to do a glog for school, glog, not blog, glog, and i was wondering if i could put it in??? I wanted to ask your permission first though. Thanks!
puplett101 2 years ago
Sure, as long as you credit me. And please send me a link!
eringobragh915 2 years ago
agreed, higgolini .
also a Badass
ExecutorJoe 2 years ago
One of the greatest Americans to ever live. Period.
higgolini 2 years ago 22
So, everybody here is related to Robert E. Lee? So am I! My great, great, etc. grandmother was his first born but he gave her up for adoption because she looked like a Yankee. (I'm okay though, therapy helps.)
Qitten33 2 years ago
LOL... golf clap.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
General Lee had the opportunity to inlict death and devastation upon the northern civilian population when his armies invaded Pennsylvania. It says something about the man when his armies refrained from such barbaric acts. This in contrast with General Sherman and his total war policy where his armies made their infamous march through Georgia with sole purpose of inflicting crimes against humanity upon the sourhern civilian population.
volwolf 2 years ago
Uh, read Sherman's orders... "inflict crimes against humanity" was not his "sole purpose" or any purpose at all.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
It's true that Sherman did not order his men to do alot of those terrible things, however Sherman knew about it, and he did nothing to prevent it. He did not punish his troops. He just ignored it. Which in my opinion makes him responsible. Also Sherman did intend to punish South Carolina, and do terrible things to them, because he blamed them for the war.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
Well, SC *was* the cradle of the rebellion. And you are right, Sherman should have exercised tighter control over his men than he did. Of course he did have 60,000 of them...
eringobragh915 2 years ago
I fail to see why Sherman should be given a pass. In 1863 Sherman wrote to Gen. Halleck that to insure that Southerners not have the right to select their own government "we will remove and destroy every obstacle - if need be, every life, every acre of land, every particle of property, everything that to us seems proper." In 1864 Gen. Sherman wrote "I am going into the very bowels of the Confederacy and propose to leave a trail that will be recognized 50 years hence - a track of desolation."
volwolf 2 years ago
This just in: Sherman was quite a drama queen, and was constantly indulging in melodramatic, if not apocalyptic, hyperbole. I think you need to inform yourself a bit more and get a better feel for Sherman's writing, and then you will realize that you need to stop taking him sooooo seriously and literally. I recommend "Sherman's Civil War" by Brooks Simpson.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
It was consistent with his and Lincoln's "total war" tactics. He was the commander of the armies that inflicted devastating actions against the Georgia citizenry. The purpose was to break the spirit of the southern people, no matter what the human cost. He and Lincoln believed this was necessary to win the war to preserve the Union. That's in the history books, but it should not be forgotten that innocent southern civilians suffered inhuman acts of cruelty by the Union army in the process.
volwolf 2 years ago 4
I think you exaggerate somewhat with your "crimes against humanity."
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Hehe.. I'm related to Robert E Lee. He is my grandmother's great great great great grandfather(I'm not that sure on how many greats)
curveyprincessmaya 2 years ago
thx. one of the best strategists ever.
McTatzi 2 years ago
Thomas Jefferson did own slaves, but was against it. He even condemed it in a draft of the Declaration Of Independence, but Congress took that stuff out.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
Wow, him too. So tell me, were there any slaveowners who WERE in favor of slavery? Like even maybe one or two? Or are you going to continue to call Lee, Jackson, and now Jefferson total hypocrites? 'Cause it's starting to bug me. I must admit, however, that the statement "He owned slaves, but was against it" is one of the funniest things I've read all week, though. Like "We destroyed the village to save it."
eringobragh915 2 years ago
I agree with you that 90% of the people who talk about the Emancipation Proclamation have never read it and have no real idea what it says. But, I was just replying to the guy who said the Confederate Constitution was going to eliminate slavery, which is not the case.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
The Constitution did protect slaves, but banned adding any new ones! As in new from Africa. Also most Southerners did not care for slavery, and did not have slaves. Robert E. Lee was against slavery, as was Stonewall Jackson!
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
Both Lee and Jackson owned slaves, you know. They were not embarrassed to be who they were, so there's no reason for you to be embarrassed about it either.
Also, the US banned the import of slaves from Africa in 1808.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Lee was given slaves. He did not buy them, and he freed them. Jackson was called friend of the black man for a reason! He founded the first black Sunday school. Both were against slavery!!! Yes the Confederate Constituion kept the ban on adding slaves from Africa.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
Lee inherited his slaves, kept some, and hired others out. He also managed his late father-in-law Mr Custis's slaves at Arlington, and freed them 5 years after Custis died, as per the terms of Custis's will. By that time, the Lees had not lived at Arlington for several years. He kept his body servant, Perry, with him throughout the war.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
As for Jackson, he did run a black Sunday school (not the first...LOL) but there is no evidence anywhere that he was against slavery. I did not say Lee and Jackson were cruel or evil, I said they owned slaves. They did. So did Washington, Jefferson, and a whole bunch of people. Remember, they weren't embarrassed. So don't be embarrassed on their behalf. It's insulting to them, like saying they didn't know their own minds. I am sure that is not your intent. So don't be politically correct.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Btw, it may interest you to know that one of Jackson's slaves before the war was a four-year-old mentally disabled orphan girl who he took in because nobody else wanted her. He taught her her catechism and from all reports was very kind. He also had a woman who cooked for him and his family, and the woman's two teenage sons. And of course during the war he had Jim, who he leased from a friend.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
I'm not being politically correct. I hate political correctness. I'm just saying that Jackson and Lee were against slavery. Jackson bought slaves to take care of them, and to set them free. Jackson and Lee thought that slavery was God's will, and that he would end it when he wanted. That is why they were not aggressive towards getting rid of it,but trust me they did not like it. Lee even said that he was glad that the slaves were free at the end of the war.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
Whatever, man. It's pretty unheard of for someone to fully participate in things they supposedly don't believe in while doing nothing to bring it to an end, that's all I can say.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Is robert e lee related to christopher lee (count dukuo form star wars) seeing as they look alot alike + same last name....
Robert E Lee = Best general EVER!
Tailset 2 years ago
Not that I know of...
eringobragh915 2 years ago
GO LEE!!!!!
Tailset 2 years ago
Robert E. Lee Forever!!!
MJ0428 2 years ago 3
Great man, great general !!!
ricimuo 2 years ago 2
im related to this great man!! hes my favourite general of all timess
MATEOELCOLOMBIANO 2 years ago
Happy Birthday Sir
rpqr 3 years ago 2
wow its my 6th cousin on my mothers side . r.i.p robert edward lee .
jojojojo1221 3 years ago
I believe you, I understand there are numerous Lee relatives, both from his Son and from his nephew Fitzugh.
MJ0428 2 years ago
Comment removed
Lesnar316F5 3 years ago
best general in the world
92CTD 3 years ago 4
Great man great soldier....R.I.P.
barbarigox 3 years ago 3
the greatest american patriot in history ...
SithMage 3 years ago 5
Happy Birthday General Lee, God rest him.
2771 3 years ago 5
Happy Birthday, General Lee !
VASINGER 3 years ago 3
YEE HAW!
Today's his birthday too. Happy Birthday General Lee!
Rolltide192 3 years ago 3
Happy Birthday Today! R.E.L
ImTheWhiteMan 3 years ago
He was a freaking badass.
RottenRonaldo 3 years ago
He makes me proud to be Virginian! And on top of that, he's also northern Virginian like me!! God bless R.E.L.! Rest in peace.
JFlatley5001 3 years ago 3
Bobby Lee! God bless the old grey fox!
anthonyhantonh 3 years ago
Quick little fun fact.
Lee hated slavery.
JimmyEatWorld55 3 years ago 5
It was his love for Virginia that made him side with the South, despite loving the
United States as a whole. I'm a Texan, and
I love Lee.
vigo894 3 years ago 2
I don't like the confederates, but they have some of my favorite generals of all time.
JimmyEatWorld55 3 years ago
yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
brancaleone89rc 3 years ago
i`m a yank but i love gereral robert E. lee
chandler3214 3 years ago 6
Same here
JimmyEatWorld55 3 years ago
second to George Washington
comotose762 3 years ago
Truly one of the most admirable, noble, chivalrous men who ever graced this earth. I have always admired him as a symbol of not only Southern aristocracy but American gentility and honor. Few men were/are his equal, and we will never see the likes of him or his legendary Army of Northern Virginia again, sadly. Heroic beyond all words. Five stars and more.
GuinevereJuliet 3 years ago 8
HAIL ROBERT E.LEE!!!!!!!
funeralcoachdriver 3 years ago 2
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!!!!! 5*****
funeralcoachdriver 3 years ago
God Bless you 'Marse Robert!!!
MJ0428 3 years ago
Remembering Robert E. Lee 138 years after his death.
tefisher1984 3 years ago
"so far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, i am rejoiced that slavery is abolished. I believe that it will be greatly for the interest of the south. so fully am i satisfied of this that i would have cheerfully lost all that i have lost by the war, and have suffered all that i have suffered to have this object attained". - Gen. Robert E. Lee
jdizzleforizzle21 3 years ago
Lee is indeed quoted as having said that in an interview in 1865, but it was not published until 1885 in Century Magazine.
I'm not saying he didn't say it, just giving the circumstances of how the quote came to light.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
i didn't know that. thanks, good info.
jdizzleforizzle21 3 years ago
I didn't either. I Googled the quote to be sure it was for real before I approved it (you'd be amazed at the crap that people try to post!). He was interviewed in '65 but the writer sat on it for 20 years before publishing. That's odd. Perhaps Lee didn't want people to know he felt that way?
I wish it had been published at the time. It might have done a lot of good.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
that is very interesting..and very odd as you said...i will look into this!
jdizzleforizzle21 3 years ago
Or maybe Lee knew he'd be hated for saying such in the post war South?
JoeGibb 3 years ago
If so, then he would not have said it to the reporter to begin with.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
God bless you Lee. This man was a hero in every sense of the word. Such ardor, such...nobility of manner. *sigh* Northern or Southern, you had to admire this man.
EriksLovingSlave 3 years ago 8
WTF?
If the south had WON, WHY would the north be occupying the south?
Can I offer you a cup of coffee... extra caffeine??
eringobragh915 3 years ago
WTF? Dude, you are confused. If the South had won, there wouldn't have been a northern occupation, let alone a need for a "governor general" to "limit the excesses of the Union upon southern civilians."
And Lee already WAS a role model for how southerners should get on with their lives. He did not need to be a politician to do this.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
Those were side effects of foolish reconstruction policies after the death of Lincoln, not side effects of the Northern victory.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
I don't think the two can be sliced. Lincoln understood the South, the Radicals wanted to moralize it down. When it comes to slavery, I would say capital/influence mattered more than ethics. The North felt fine benefiting from slavery. I think the issue was not "Good North" vs. "Bad South". I wonder why it often gets pictured this way...
People many times forget that they were not two different universes on this. Strong racism lived on till the 1960s and 1970s regardless of the Union victory.
Stake2 3 years ago
Its portrayed that way because the North won. Not hating on the Modern Northern states, but the history is inked by the victorious. The South would've done the same probably if they had won.
JoeGibb 3 years ago
Epic fail, man; Lee had an antipathy to politics that made William T. Sherman look like an office-seeker. Given that blacks would not have been free if the CSA had won, I am not sure where you are getting your "better shake" from, but whatever. Your last sentence makes no sense... relations with the US were based on the fact that they had won. It goes without saying that they would've been "more amenable" for the CSA if the CSA had won.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
Dear Sir or Madam eringobraugh915: First, I would like to say thank you so very much for posting your fact filled comments. They are really quite delightful to read since i love history and especially about one of the greatest generals,and men, of all time. I have only one disagreement, regarding a post you wrote 6 months ago you said,"...Given that blacks would not be free if the CSA had won...", the disagreement being that the Confederate Constitution abolished slavery. Otherwise, Thank-You:)
asdf123454444 2 years ago
The Confederate Constitution protected slavery.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
The Confederate Constituion banned adding any new slaves to the Confederacy. Yes, the South was on it's way to freeing all the slaves. Also, only about 3 to 6% of the population owned slaves.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
I'd like a cite on the part about not adding any new slaves.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Is this what you meant? Where the CSA Const. forbids importing slaves?
Sec. 9. (I) The importation of negroes of the African race from any foreign country other than the slaveholding States or Territories of the United States of America, is hereby forbidden; and Congress is required to pass such laws as shall effectually prevent the same.
(2) Congress shall also have power to prohibit the introduction of slaves from any State not a member of, or Territory not belonging to, this Confederacy.
Qitten33 2 years ago
Interesting, thank you.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
Yes, finally some one looks it up. I told you that the CSA forbid adding slaves from Africa. While protecting slaves from America.
Lesnar316F5 2 years ago
LOL, why didn't YOU look it up?
eringobragh915 2 years ago
While it's true the CSA Constitution didn't abolish slavery, neither did the original Constitution. One thing that could have been done to help end slavery would have been the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Clause. I've always thought it was in the Constitution because they knew Washington would probably be the first president.
Qitten33 2 years ago
Not the US Constitution -- the importation of slaves from Africa was banned in the US in 1808.
eringobragh915 2 years ago
But how they behaved to the slaves? What the people in the South thought about slaves?
Zahal948 2 years ago
i was born in the south and proud to be so like ROBERT E LEE
Bowfin568 3 years ago
General Lee...
Intellectual
Man of Intergrity
Brilliant Leader
Abolitionist
A true rational man of faith
Much honor and respect
DiZ3NTION101 3 years ago
Abolitionist? LOL
eringobragh915 3 years ago
"In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution, is a moral & political evil in any Country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages. I think it however a greater evil to the white man than to the black race...."
General Robert Edward Lee
DiZ3NTION101 3 years ago
"...& while my feelings are strongly enlisted in behalf of the latter, my sympathies are more strong for the former. The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically. The painful discipline they are undergoing, is necessary for their instruction as a race, & I hope will prepare & lead them to better things. How long their subjugation may be necessary is known & ordered by a wise God."
General Robert E. Lee -- the REST of the quote.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
my sources are from a book that elaborates on southerners who sought to either abolish or reform the policies toward those under slavery in the south..
Well regardless with the rest of the quote altogether still points out Lee's views positive and negative on the issue. Lee held slaves and had them released once the emancipation proclamation was decreed. His slaves for the time were treated as family. Its obvious to say that Lee didn't have a problem with abolition.
DiZ3NTION101 3 years ago
I doubt Lee felt the Proclamation applied to him, since it applied to areas of the US in rebellion against the federal gov't; in the Confederate view, the Confederate states were no longer in the US. Lee emancipated his father-in-law's slaves as per the dictates of the Custis will; they were to be freed within five years of Custis' death, which are the terms Lee carried out (I think it wound up being 5 years and a few months due to financial troubles w/the estate.)
eringobragh915 3 years ago
Lee was a great leader, christian, and general.
The south lost the war, but their Generals were all men of faith, who fought with honor.
jwb0711 3 years ago
HEY! do not forget Texas!!
raymondwr 3 years ago
General Lee, in my opinion, was one of the greatest generals in US history. The armies he was in charge of were significantly smaller than the North's, yet he proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Now THAT is is a great achievement.
Kaasha56 3 years ago
to general lee sir you are popular and live on as a legend and a hero. see you when i come home to heaven tell jackson i'll see him soon and god bless you
christainsolider04 3 years ago
lee lee lee lee !!!!
christainsolider04 3 years ago
Amen to all those brave Virginian soldiers and generals same with the rest of the south god bless virginia may she long and prosper old dominion for ever
VAsoutherner 3 years ago
My brother is in the US Army and they still study General Lee's tactis/strategies.
I am a Virginian and am so honored to be so.
CAW2844 3 years ago 2
The best leader 19th century.
National salute from our nation - Sláva vám!
FalconRS 3 years ago
May Robert E Lee be remembered for ever
confederateflag4life 3 years ago 2
yeah baby southern by the grace of god
rebelat93 3 years ago 2
I just love General Lee he had so much pride and class! Thanks for sharing this:)
bsjbrenda10131013 3 years ago 4
Robert E. Lee was my childhood hero, he was the embodiment of all that was honorable and just. I realize that he owned slaves, but many people did back then, in fact throughout history slavery has been a common occurrence. We can sit in this present time and judge those in the past so easily. If you had been raised back then, slavery would have been thoroughly ingrained into your psyche.
D4md0n3 3 years ago
Well said!
eringobragh915 3 years ago
Grant vs. Lee at Cold Harbor......Who won? That's what I thought.
IloveMary35 3 years ago 2
Lee won at Cold Harbor. Grant's only defeat in 4 years of war.
eringobragh915 3 years ago
A tactical defeat only. Strategically, Cold Harbor did nothing for the Confederacy except give them a little false hope. Immediately after Cold Harbor Grant crossed the James River. Lee said if Grant got below the James that it would ultimately end in a Confederate defeat.
waterloo2you 3 years ago
guess what im related to robert e lee.
ashlyemaster 3 years ago
How so? I'm related through various marriages to General Hood.
MJ0428 3 years ago
so am i by marriage
DoctorWhoLoverAways 3 years ago
really? me too ( blood descendant)
kblader101293 3 years ago
Finest general in american history.
sgtpepper33 3 years ago 4
im related to him
ashlyemaster 3 years ago
this musik is from the movie =D love it im geting goosbums when i look at it
nicorett 3 years ago
I am a descendant of Robert E. Lee and some of these comments are touching, but some are disgusting, talking down about someone of this caliber of morality is downing an American hero, the only thing i can compare this to is talking down to Ronald Reagen, or Martin L. King Jr., it is an appalling display of ignorant judgement
kblader101293 3 years ago
Hmmm, comparing Lee, King, and Reagan, I think Reagan is the one who comes up short.
eringobragh915 3 years ago