Early Life Lee was born to “Light Horse Harry,” a Revolutionary War hero, and Anne Hill Carter Lee, into a wealthy, honorable Virginia family. The family soon became poor, and Harry died, leaving Anne to raise her children alone, teaching them the value of religion, duty, and honor. It was these moral lessons that shaped Lee into the dignified, dutiful man he would become.
Lee excelled in school as a child, but his early years were burdened with caring for his invalid mother. He sought a professional education, yet felt he could not exhaust his family’s small finances. Lee successfully obtained an appointment to West Point, and excelled in his studies and in military exercises. Lee was considered a true gentleman, as he was humble, mature, and responsible, which earned him the nickname the “Marble Model.” He graduated second in the class of 1829, and without a single demerit in his career. |
"I like whiskey. I always
did, and that is why
I never drink it."
-Lee
did, and that is why
I never drink it."
-Lee
Mexican-American War
Lee, proving his brilliant military skills, served under General Winfield Scott during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and soon was promoted to colonel. He was able to counter John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry in 1859, and the next year was put in command of the Department of Texas.
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Growing Tensions
The territory gained by the Mexican-American War brought to light an issue that impacted Lee’s life and career: was new land to be slave or free? Stephen Douglas, an influential politician, suggested implementing popular sovereignty to determine states’ status, but as a result of a corrupt vote, violence erupted in "Bleeding Kansas.” When Lincoln was elected President in 1860, an unsatisfied South Carolina seceded and other southern states followed.
“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 relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword.”
-Lee
Unfortunately, Lee did draw his sword, as a general.