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Article: Lee showed greatness in times of war, peace.(TRAVEL)(THE CIVIL WAR)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- January 21, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 The Washington Times LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Vicki Heilig, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES
"Life is indeed gliding away and I have nothing of good to show for mine that
is past. I pray I may be spared to accomplish something for the benefit of mankind and to the honour of God."
Thus wrote defeated Gen. Robert E. Lee in a letter to his wife, explaining his dilemma as he faced the future after surrendering the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox. He had followed his conscience to the end.
With his shrunken army surrounded, Lee had said, "There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths."
Why would a ...