Robert E. Lee quotes - page 2

I am of the opinion that all who can should vote for the most intelligent, honest, and conscientious men eligible to office, irrespective of former party opinions, who will endeavour to make the new constitutions and the laws passed under them as beneficial as possible to the true interests, prosperity, and liberty of all classes and conditions of the people. (Robert E. Lee)
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. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity. View quote
Robert E. Lee
What a cruel thing is war to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world. View quote
Robert E. Lee
Still, a Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets, and in which strife and civil war are to take the place of brotherly love and kindness, has no charm for me. View quote
Robert E. Lee
What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation. View quote
Robert E. Lee
It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes. View quote
Robert E. Lee
The duty of its citizens, then, appears to me too plain to admit of doubt. All should unite in honest efforts to obilterate the effects of the war and restore the blessing of peace. They should remain, if possible, in the country; promote harmony and good feeling, qualify themselves to vote and elect to the State and general legislatures wise and patriotic men, who will devote their abilities to the interests of the country and the healing of all dissensions. I have invariably recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities, and have endeavored to practice it myself. View quote
Robert E. Lee
After it is all over, as stupid a fellow as I am can see that mistakes were made. I notice, however, that my mistakes are never told me until it is too late, and you, and all my officers, know that I am always ready and anxious to have their suggestions. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I think it is the duty of every citizen, in the present condition of the Country, to do all in his power to aid in the restoration of peace and harmony. It is particularly incumbent upon those charged with the instruction of the young to set them an example. (Robert E. Lee)
Those who oppose our purposes are not always to be regarded as our enemies. We usually think and act from our immediate surroundings. The better rule is to judge our adversaries from their standpoint, not from ours. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I think it would be better for Virginia if she could get rid of them. That is no new opinion with me. I have always thought so, and have always been in favor of emancipation - gradual emancipation. View quote
Robert E. Lee
Negroes belonging to our citizens are not considered subjects of exchange and were not included in my proposition. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I, Robert E. Lee of Lexington, Virginia do solemn, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Union of the States thereafter, and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithful support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves, so help me God. View quote
Robert E. Lee
Fold it up and put it away. View quote
Robert E. Lee
I am glad to see one real American here. View quote
Robert E. Lee
My engagements will not permit me to be present, and I believe if there I could not add anything material to the information existing on the subject. I think it wiser, moreover, not to keep open the sores of war, but to follow the example of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of civil strife, and to commit to oblivion the feelings it engendered. View quote
Robert E. Lee
The only question on which we did not agree has been settled, and the Lord has decided against me. View quote
Robert E. Lee
Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances. View quote
Robert E. Lee
My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men. (Robert E. Lee)
The truth is this The march of Providence is so slow and our desires so impatient the work of progress is so immense and our means of aiding it so feeble the life of humanity is so long, that of the individual so brief, that we often see only the ebb of the advancing wave and are thus discouraged. It is history that teaches us to hope. View quote
Robert E. Lee
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. View quote
Robert E. Lee
You must be frank with the world; frankness is the child of honesty and courage. View quote
Robert E. Lee
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. View quote
Robert E. Lee