Robert E. Lee quotes

Robert E. Lee was an American general, best known as the commander of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. His military tactics and leadership made a significant impact on the course of the war. He is remembered as a complex historical figure noted for both his strategic skill and the controversy surrounding his role in the Confederacy. Here are 80 of his quotes:

It is well that war is so terrible, otherwise we should grow too fond of it.

Robert E. Lee

The education of a man is never completed until he dies.

Robert E. Lee

I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.

Robert E. Lee

I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not pray for them.

Robert E. Lee

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

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

Robert E. Lee

Duty, then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.

Robert E. Lee

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or to keep one.

Robert E. Lee

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

In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.

Robert E. Lee

My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health.

Robert E. Lee

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

Robert E. Lee

Do your duty in all things, like the old Puritan. You cannot do more; you should never wish to do less.

Robert E. Lee

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

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

You see what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy to possess what was given me; for that reason, it has been taken away.

Robert E. Lee

We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them.

Robert E. Lee

The questions which for years were in dispute between the State and General Government, and which unhappily were not decided by the dictates of reason, but referred to the decision of war, having been decided against us, it is the part of wisdom to acquiesce in the result, and of candor to recognize the fact.

Robert E. Lee

I should NOT be trading on the blood of my men.

Robert E. Lee

So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I have rejoiced that slavery is abolished. I believe it will be great for the interests of the south. So fully am I satisfied with this, as regards Virginia especially, that I would cheerfully have lost all I have lost by the war, and have suffered all I have suffered, to have this object attained.

Robert E. Lee

Mr. Blair, I look upon secession as anarchy. If I owned the four millions of slaves in the South, I would sacrifice them all to the Union; but how can I draw my sword upon Virginia, my native State?

Robert E. Lee

Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university.

Robert E. Lee