38 Quotes & Sayings By Robert E Lee

Robert E. Lee was an American Confederate general who served throughout the American Civil War and was most noted for his leadership of the Army of Northern Virginia in the Eastern Theater. He was one of America's foremost military strategists of his time, and was most often given the title "The Soldier's General."

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot...
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I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself. Robert E. Lee
I can only say that I am nothing but a...
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I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation. Robert E. Lee
It is well that war is so terrible, or we...
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It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it. Robert E. Lee
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Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances Robert E. Lee
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Cadets can neither be treated as schoolboys or soldiers. Robert E. Lee
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It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes. Robert E. Lee
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Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret. Robert E. Lee
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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. Robert E. Lee
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All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away-by standing still Robert E. Lee
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I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it. Robert E. Lee
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Why, sir, in the beginning we appointed all our worst generals to command the armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers. As you know, I have planned some campaigns and quite a number of battles. I have given the work all the care and thought I could, and sometimes, when my plans were completed, as far as I could see, they seemed to be perfect. But when I have fought them through, I have discovered defects and occasionally wondered I did not see some of the defects in advance. When it was all over, I found by reading a newspaper that these best editor generals saw all the defects plainly from the start. Unfortunately, they did not communicate their knowledge to me until it was too late.” Then, after a pause, he added, with a beautiful, grave expression I can never forget: “I have no ambition but to serve the Confederacy, and do all I can to win our independence. I an willing to serve in any capacity to which the authorities may assign me. I have done the best I could in the field, and have not succeeded as I could wish. I am willing to yield my place to these best generals, and I will do my best for the cause in editing a newspaper.” In the same strain he once remarked to one of his generals: “Even as poor a soldier as I am can generally discover mistakes after it is all over. But if I could only induce these wise gentlemen who see them so clearly beforehand to communicate with me in advance, instead of waiting until the evil has come upon us, to let me know that they knew all the time, it would be far better for my reputation, and (what is of more consequence) far better for the cause. . Robert E. Lee
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We have fought this fight as long and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. There is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation. Robert E. Lee
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The devil's name is dullness. Robert E. Lee
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Let the tent be struck. Robert E. Lee
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We have fought this fight as long and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation. Robert E. Lee
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Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans! Robert E. Lee
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The devil's name is Dullness. Robert E. Lee
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We have fought this fight as long and as well as we know how. We have been defeated ... there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation. Robert E. Lee
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It is well that war is so terrible - we would grow too fond of it. Robert E. Lee
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I tremble for my country when I hear of confidence expressed in me. I know too well my weakness, that our only hope is in God. Robert E. Lee
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What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors. Robert E. Lee
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It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it. Robert E. Lee
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It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it. Robert E. Lee
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The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides. Robert E. Lee
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We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing. Robert E. Lee
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While we see the course of the final abolition of human slavery is onward, & we give it the aid of our prayers & all justifiable means in our power, we must leave the progress as well as the result in his hands who sees the end; who chooses to work by slow influences; & with whom two thousand years are but as a single day. Robert E. Lee
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In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength. Robert E. Lee
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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. Robert E. Lee
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The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy. Robert E. Lee
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We should live, act, and say nothing to the injury of anyone. It is not only best as a matter of principle, but it is the path to peace and honor. Robert E. Lee
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You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Robert E. Lee
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Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one. Robert E. Lee
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A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none. Robert E. Lee
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I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving. Robert E. Lee
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The education of a man is never completed until he dies. Robert E. Lee
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We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters. Robert E. Lee
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Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character. Robert E. Lee