Lee, Robert E. (1807–1870)

Military leader

Robert E. Lee is best known for his military leadership of the Confederate States of America during the U. S. Civil War. As the commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia, Lee was widely respected as a brilliant, bold, and daring military strategist who upheld a personal code of honor, integrity, and self-discipline. His genius was respected on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line, and before he enlisted in the Confederate States Army, he was reportedly offered command of the Union Army, but declined. In addition to his intelligence and moral character, Lee's ability to selflessly inspire his officers and troops and willingly delegate vital tasks made him one of the most influential leaders of the Civil War.

Robert Edward Lee was born in Stratford, Virginia, on 19 January 1807 and was raised from the age of three in Alexandria, Virginia. His father, “Light Horse Harry” Henry Lee, was a confidant of George Washington, delegate to the Continental [Page 893]Congress, and former Governor of Virginia. Following distinguished service in the Revolutionary War, his father faced financial collapse after a series of controversial and financially ruinous business speculations, and left Virginia for Barbados in 1813, leaving his family behind. His mother, Ann Carter Lee, instilled in Robert the virtues of honor, integrity, self-control, and financial responsibility.

Lee graduated from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) in 1829. Shortly after graduation, he married Mary Custis, whose father was the adopted son of George Washington. They had seven children. Lee spent the next thirty-two years in the U.S. army. His opportunity for leadership came in 1846 during the Mexican-American War when his bravery, leadership, and strategic tactics earned the respect of General Winfield Scott, who thereafter became Lee's mentor. Lee also experienced a profound spiritual awakening while in the army, and his religious convictions played a vital role in his life.

By early 1861, the deep divisions in the nation over issues such as slavery, states' rights, and economic policies had reached a breaking point. The growing threat of secession by the Southern states caused Lee conflict and distress. He opposed slavery and felt loyalty to the nation he had long served. At the same time, he strongly disagreed with what he considered to be the infringement on states' rights by the federal government. Above all, Lee was a Virginian first and, given his family's extensive ties to the state, could not see taking a stand against it. In his view, a stand against Virginia was a stand against his family. During this time, Lee was offered command of the Union army, but on 19 April 1861, Virginia seceded, and Lee resigned the next day. He returned to Virginia to live as a civilian, except to defend his native state. Soon thereafter, he accepted command of the military forces of Virginia, and in early June 1862 was appointed commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia.

As a leader, Lee viewed the development of plans and strategies as his primary responsibility. He exhibited a great talent for choosing exceptional people as his military commanders, and giving them the [Page 894]autonomy to execute his plans as they saw best. Lee also placed significant emphasis on coordination and communication among his military units, recognizing that bold, coordinated efforts by a smaller, betterled and better-motivated force could defeat much larger armies.

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