110+ Robert E. Lee Quotes On Civil War, War And Duty

Robert E. Lee was an American soldier who served as a general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is best known for commanding the Confederate forces in the Eastern Theater of the war, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful military commanders in American history. After the war, Lee became a symbol of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy, and has been venerated in the South as a heroic figure. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Robert E. Lee on civil war, war, leadership.

Top 10 Robert E. Lee Quotes

1. 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?
2. In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.
3. I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony.
4. What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors.
5. The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.
6. So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that slavery is abolished.
7. The enemy never sees the backs of my Texans!
8. Abandon your animosities and make your sons Americans!
9. 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.
10. 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 Short Quotes

• Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future.
• The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
• The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
• I would rather die a thousand deaths than surrender.
• We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
• The biggest mistake of my life was taking a military education.
• A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
• Respect is based on Friendship,and friendship is based on love and love is so accidental isn't it ?
• You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey.
• The enemy is here, and if we do not whip him, he will whip us.

Robert E. Lee Quotes About Civil War

With all my devotion to the Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relative, my children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army. — 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

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

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

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

All I ever wanted was a Virginia farm, no end of cream and fresh butter and fried chicken - not one fried chicken, or two, but unlimited fried chicken. — Robert E. Lee

What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar His gifts. — Robert E. Lee

Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans! — Robert E. Lee

You must study to be frank with the world: frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right. — Robert E. Lee

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good. — Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee Quotes About War

The dominant party cannot reign forever, and truth and justice will prevail at last. — Robert E. Lee

I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor. — Robert E. Lee

We must look to the rising generation for the restoration of the country. — Robert E. Lee

I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than the dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation. — Robert E. Lee

I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune. — Robert E. Lee

But what a cruel thing is war to separate and destroy families and friends. — Robert E. Lee

We made a great mistake in the beginning of our struggle, and I fear, in spite of all we can do, it will prove to be a fatal mistake. We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers — Robert E. Lee

It is history that teaches us to hope. — Robert E. Lee

The framers of our Constitution never exhausted so much labor, wisdom, and forbearance in its formation, and surrounded it with so many guards and securities, if it was intended to be broken by every member of the Confederacy at will. — Robert E. Lee

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it. — Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee Quotes About Duty

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

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle. — Robert E. Lee

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less. — Robert E. Lee

As a general principle you should not force young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and thereby develop their characters. — Robert E. Lee

Duty is the sublimest work in the English language. — Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee Famous Quotes And Sayings

I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South 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

Let us pray for ourselves, that we may not lose the word “concern” out of our Christian vocabulary. Let us pray for our nation. Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ and redeeming love, for moral forces everywhere, for our national leaders. Let prayer be our passion. Let prayer be our practice. — Robert E. Lee

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

We poor sinners need to come back from our wanderings to seek pardon through the all-sufficient merits of our Redeemer. And we need to pray earnestly for the power of the Holy Spirit to give us a precious revival in our hearts and among the unconverted. — Robert E. Lee

What a glorious world Almighty God has given us. How thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labor to mar his gifts. — Robert E. Lee

Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans! — Robert E. Lee

I have thought from the time of the cessation of the hostilities, that silence and patience on the part of the South was the true course; and I think so still. Controversy of all kinds will, in my opinion, only serve to continue excitement and passion, and will prevent the public mind from the acknowledgement and acceptance of the truth. — Robert E. Lee

There are things in the Old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible Word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit. — Robert E. Lee

To be a good soldier, you must love the army. To be a good commander, you must be willing to order the death of the thing you love. — Robert E. Lee

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

Postal officials say that before Christmas they receive tons of letters written to Santa Claus, but after Christmas how few letters of thanks are sent to him! From childhood onward, human beings seem to be characterized by thanklessness. — Robert E. Lee

You must be careful how you walk and where you go, for there are those following you who will set their feet where yours are set. — 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

Life Insurance trusts I consider sacred. To hazard the property of the dead & to lose the scanty earnings of fathers & husbands, who have toiled & saved that they may leave something to their families deprived of their care & the support of their labour, is to my mind the worst of crimes. — Robert E. Lee

You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience. — Robert E. Lee

If we do not do this our churches will lighthouses without light, wells without water, dumb witnesses, sleeping watchmen, silent trumpets, messengers without tidings, a comfort for infidels, jubilant joys to the devil, and an offense to God. — 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

I pray that on this day [Christmas] when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace. — Robert E. Lee

We must...submit ourselves in adversity to the will of a merciful God as cheerfully as in prosperity. — 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

Keep steady in the view of the great principles for which you contend. The safety of your homes and the lives of all you hold dear depend upon your courage and exertions. Let each man resolve to be victorious, and that the right of self government, liberty and peace shall find him a defender. — Robert E. Lee

Private and public life are subject to the same rules-truth and manliness are two qualities that will carry you through this world much better than policy or tact of expediency or other words that were devised to conceal a deviation from a straight line. — Robert E. Lee

I believe I may so, looking into my own heart, and speaking as in the presence of God, that I have never know one moment of bitterness or resentment. — Robert E. Lee

My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men. — Robert E. Lee

Any victory would be dear at such a price. — Robert E. Lee

No blame can be attached to the army for its failure to accomplish what was projected by me... I alone am to blame, in perhaps expecting too much of its prowess and valor... could I have foreseen that the attack on the last day would fail, I should certainly have tried some other course... but I do not know what better course I could have pursued. — Robert E. Lee

Life processes take place in an aqueous medium. All organisms are composed mostly of water, whether they dwell in the oceans, lakes, and rivers, or on the land. Because the physical and chemical properties of water are well suited to the requirements of life, it is no accident that life is a water-based phenomenon. — Robert E. Lee

Without music, we wouldn't have an Army. — Robert E. Lee

Lee tells his troops. After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. — Robert E. Lee

A man may manifest and communicate his joy, but he should conceal and smother his grief as much as possible. — Robert E. Lee

I have never witnessed on any previous occasion such entire disregard of the usage of civilized warfare and the dictates of humanity. — Robert E. Lee

There is always hazard in military activity, but we must decide between the positive loss of inactivity and the risk of action. — Robert E. Lee

General Longstreet,when once in a fight, was a most brilliant soldier; but he was the hardest man to move I had in my army. — Robert E. Lee

You cannot barter manhood for peace. — Robert E. Lee

It is glorious to see such courage in one so young. — Robert E. Lee

We must forgive our enemies. — Robert E. Lee

Let us go home and cultivate our virtues. — Robert E. Lee

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

So far from engaging in a war to perpetuate slavery, I am rejoiced that Slavery is abolished. I believe it will be greatly for the interest of the South. So fully am I satisfied of this that I would have cheerfully lost all that I have lost by the war, and have suffered all that I have suffered to have this object attained. — 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

There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths. — Robert E. Lee

Marry...into a family that will enable your children to feel proud of both sides of the house. — Robert E. Lee

Our country demands all our strength, all our energies. To resist the powerful combination now forming against us will require every man at his place. If victorious, we will have everything to hope for in the future. If defeated, nothing will be left for us to live for. — Robert E. Lee

Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain. — Robert E. Lee

Shake off those gloomy feelings. Drive them away. Fix your mind and pleasures upon what is before you.All is bright if you will think it so. All is happy if you will make it so. Do not dream. It is too ideal, too imaginary. Dreaming by day, I mean. Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage. — Robert E. Lee

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 have only one rule here - to act like a gentleman at all times. — Robert E. Lee

Whither shall I flee? To no country on earth that I know of where there is as much liberty as yet remains to me even in Virginia. — Robert E. Lee

He has lost his left arm, but I my right. — 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

We have but one rule here, and that is that every student must be a gentleman. — Robert E. Lee

All this has been my fault. — Robert E. Lee

I endeavored to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all his mercies to me, for his preservation of me through all the dangers I have passed, and all the blessings which he has bestowed upon me, for I know I fall far short of my obligations — 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

A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today. — Robert E. Lee

The time is not come for impartial history. If the truth were told just now, it would not be credited. — Robert E. Lee

Such an executive officer the sun never shone on. I have but to show him my design, and I know that it can be done, it will be done...Straight as the needle to the pole he advanced to the execution of my purpose. — Robert E. Lee

We cannot afford to be idle, and though weaker than our opponents in men and military equipments, must endeavor to harass, if we cannot destroy them. — Robert E. Lee

There is scarcely anything that is right that we cannot hope to accomplish by labor and perseverance. But the first must be earnest and the second unremitting. — Robert E. Lee

Everyone should do all in his power to collect and disseminate the truth, in the hope that it may find a place in history and descend to posterity. History is not the relation of campaigns and battles and generals or other individuals, but that which shows the principles for which the South contended and which justified her struggle for those principles. — Robert E. Lee

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances — Robert E. Lee

Remember, we are all one country now. Dismiss from your mind all sectional feeling, and bring them up to be Americans. — Robert E. Lee

Go home all you boys who fought with me and help build up the shattered fortunes of our old state — Robert E. Lee

No day should be lived unless it was begun with a prayer of thankfulness and an intercession for guidance. — Robert E. Lee

A land without memories is a people without liberty. — Robert E. Lee

I consider the proper education of our youths one of the most important objects now to be attained and one from which the greatest benefits may be expected. — Robert E. Lee

I am as willing to serve now as in the beginning in any capacity and at any post where I can do good. The lower the position, the more suitable to my ability and the more agreeable to my feelings. — Robert E. Lee

Ideas are easy to conceive, less easy to execute. — Robert E. Lee

Life Lessons by Robert E. Lee

1. Robert E. Lee demonstrated the importance of honor and integrity by resigning from the United States Army when Virginia seceded from the Union.
2. He also showed the value of humility and putting others before yourself by leading the Confederate Army despite his personal opposition to slavery.
3. His example of courage and determination in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to never give up in the face of difficult circumstances.