The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee

Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee

by Michael Korda

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1363 pages

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Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was an American soldier, educator, and civil engineer who served as a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). He commanded the Army of Northern Virginia, the Confederacy's most significant military force, from 1862 until its surrender in 1865.

Lee is considered one of the greatest military commanders in American history. He was a skilled tactician and strategist who won numerous victories against Union forces. However, his decision to invade Pennsylvania in 1863 led to the Battle of Gettysburg, which is often considered the turning point of the Civil War.

Early Life and Career

Robert E. Lee was born in Stratford Hall, Virginia, to Henry Lee III, a prominent Revolutionary War officer, and Ann Hill Carter Lee. He was the fifth of eleven children. Lee's father died when he was only eleven years old, and his mother raised him. Lee attended West Point Military Academy, where he graduated second in his class in 1829.

After graduating from West Point, Lee served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He worked on a variety of projects, including the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and the improvement of the Mississippi River delta. Lee also served in the Mexican-American War, where he distinguished himself as a skilled commander.

The Civil War

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Lee resigned his commission in the U.S. Army and joined the Confederate Army. He was appointed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1862. Lee led the Army of Northern Virginia to numerous victories, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Battle of Chancellorsville.

However, Lee's decision to invade Pennsylvania in 1863 led to the Battle of Gettysburg, which is often considered the turning point of the Civil War. The Union Army defeated the Confederate Army at Gettysburg, and Lee was forced to retreat back to Virginia. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was never able to recover from the defeat at Gettysburg.

Surrender and Legacy

After the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee continued to lead the Army of Northern Virginia until its surrender at Appomattox Court House in 1865. Lee's surrender marked the end of the Civil War.

After the war, Lee became president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). He worked to rebuild the college and promote reconciliation between the North and South. Lee died in 1870 at the age of sixty-three.

Robert E. Lee is a controversial figure in American history. He is remembered as a brilliant military commander who led the Confederate Army to numerous victories. However, he is also remembered as a slave owner who fought to preserve the institution of slavery. Lee's legacy is complex and contested, and he remains one of the most controversial figures in American history.

Additional Information

• Robert E. Lee was married to Mary Custis Lee, the great-granddaughter of George Washington. They had seven children.
• Lee was a devout Christian. He was a member of the Episcopal Church and regularly attended church services.
• Lee was a skilled horseman. He was known for his ability to ride long distances without tiring.
• Lee was a voracious reader. He had a large library of books on a variety of subjects, including history, literature, and philosophy.
• Lee was a talented writer. He wrote numerous letters and speeches that are still studied today.

Robert E. Lee was a complex and controversial figure who played a major role in American history. He was a brilliant military commander who led the Confederate Army to numerous victories. However, he was also a slave owner who fought to preserve the institution of slavery. Lee's legacy is complex and contested, and he remains one of the most controversial figures in American history.

Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee

by Michael Korda

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1363 pages

FREE