Robert E. Lee quotes - page 2

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:

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

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

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.

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.

Robert E. Lee

What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.

Robert E. Lee

I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

Robert E. Lee

It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robert E. Lee

Negroes belonging to our citizens are not considered subjects of exchange and were not included in my proposition.

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.

Robert E. Lee

Fold it up and put it away.

Robert E. Lee

I am glad to see one real American here.

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.

Robert E. Lee

The only question on which we did not agree has been settled, and the Lord has decided against me.

Robert E. Lee

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances.

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.

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.

Robert E. Lee

You must be frank with the world; frankness is the child of honesty and courage.

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.

Robert E. Lee