I also have a copy of "Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee" and agree with Bryan's post. I was just noting my belief that the Southron people as a whole probably gave this idea much thought. Perhaps I worded my response wrong. When I say they had reason to fear the slaves being freed I didn't mean that they were afraid of armed groups of blacks seeking vengence. In fact I believe there may have been better feelings between the races then than the feelings provoked by Reconstuction.

But I stand by my belief that Southrons had to be concerned about the change to society and economics if the slaves were freed in one swoop. Was this concern enough to qualify as fear? Well, I suppose it would depend on who you spoke to, the optimist or the pessimist. I don't believe it factored into Lee's decision to resign. But perhaps other officers did consider it?