Quotes by Robert E. Lee

"In this enlightened age, there are few I believe, but what will acknowledge, that slavery as an institution is a moral & political evil in any country. It is useless to expatiate on its disadvantages."

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"You must study to be frank with the world: Frankness is the child of honesty and courage."

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

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

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"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."

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"A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets has no charm for me. If the Union is dissolved and government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword on none."

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"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."

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"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."

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

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

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

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

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"The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides."

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

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"Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character."

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