Quotes by Robert E. Lee

About Robert E. Lee:

Robert Edward Lee was an American soldier known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. The son of Revolutionary War officer Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, Lee was a top graduate of the United States Military Academy and an exceptional officer and combat engineer in the United States Army for 32 years. During this time, he served throughout the United States, distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War, served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, and married Mary Custis.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lee assess a subordinate commander as "all lion; no fox.

Robert E. Lee

They seemed so united that I loved them as one person." Lee wrote of his son and daughter-in-law on his daughter-in-law's death.

Robert E. Lee

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances

Robert E. Lee

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

Robert E. Lee

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

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

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

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

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

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

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

Robert E. Lee

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

Robert E. Lee

I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.

Robert E. Lee

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

Robert E. Lee

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

Robert E. Lee

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

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 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

Author Bio

  • NameRobert E. Lee
  • DescriptionConfederate general in the Civil War
  • AliasesRob Lee
  • BornJanuary 19, 1807
  • DiedOctober 12, 1870
  • CountryUnited States Of America; Confederate States Of America
  • ProfessionSoldier