Mail Call, Civil War Times, April 2010
Still Conflicted About Lee:
I read with great interest Gary Gallagher’s article on Robert E. Lee in the February issue. Do I think Lee was a great man? No! Do I find him a great strategist? No! Do I believe he should have been honored with recognition on U.S. stamps? Definitely not. That said, I cannot fault him for his decision to support the Confederacy. After all, many others did just that.
I see traits that make me wonder about Lee as a man and a leder (sic) of men. Consider that he waited until the last possible moment to put into place the terms of his father-in-law’s will, which would have freed the slaves under his control Read into that what you will. A more kindly person might have freed them earlier. I suggest that everyone read about the disposition of that will and why “Marse Robert” delayed as long as possible.
When Lee’s men entered Pennsylvania in 1863, it resulted in many former slaves and free blacks being rounded up and sent south into slavery. Where were the great leader’s orders to his men, forbidding such a practice? Such orders do not exist.
How do I forgive an American who disdainfully referred to Union troops as “those people”, as if they were not all Americans? I find Lee a narrow-minded and mean-spirited man. I think no honors should be given him. I find his so-called “honorable behavior” false and at best self-serving. Were I to look for a truly honorable Virginian, I would look no further than General George H. Thomas.
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My question is there any truth to the story about Lee's taking free blacks and slaves in Pennsylvania?? Please provided sources.
Thanks.
GP