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From: "Sally Rolls Pavia" <>
Subject: 20 Apr 1861 Lee resigns from U.S. Army
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 06:17:10 -0700


Colonel Robert E. Lee resigns from the United States army two days after he
was offered command of the Union army and three days after his native state,
Virginia, seceded from the Union.

Lee opposed secession, but he was a loyal son of Virginia. His official
resignation was only one sentence, but he wrote a longer explanation to his
friend and mentor, General Winfield Scott, later that day. Lee had fought
under Scott during the Mexican War, and he revealed to his former commander
the depth of his struggle. Lee interviewed with Scott on April 18, and
explained that he would have resigned then "but for the struggle it has cost
me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted the best years
of my life and all the ability I possess." Lee expressed gratitude for the
kindness shown him by all in the army during his 25-year service, but Lee
was most grateful to Scott. "To no one, general, have I been as much
indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration..." He
concluded with this poignant sentiment: "Save in the defense of my native
State, I never desire again to draw my sword."

But draw it he would. Two days later, Lee was appointed commander of
Virginia's forces with the rank of major general. He spent the next few
months raising troops in Virginia, and in July he was sent to western
Virginia to advise Confederate commanders struggling to maintain control
over the mountainous region. Lee did little to build his reputation there as
the Confederates experienced a series of setbacks, and he returned to
Richmond when the Union gained control of the area. The next year, Lee
assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia after General Joseph
Johnston was wounded in battle. Lee quickly turned the tables on Union
General George B. McClellan, as he would several other commanders of the
Army of the Potomac. His brilliance as a battlefield tactician earned him a
place among the great military leaders of all time.

Sally Rolls Pavia

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