Quotes from Robert E. Lee

We have fought this fight as long, and as well as we know how. We have been defeated. For us as a Christian people, there is now but one course to pursue. We must accept the situation.

You must be careful how you walk, and where you go, for there are those following you who will set their feet where yours are set.

It is good that war is terrible. Or else we would become too fond of it.

We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.

Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.

The time is not come for impartial history. If the truth were told just now, it would not be credited.

Never do a wrong thing to make a friend--or to keep one.

It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.

The education of a man is never completed until he dies.

I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.

I like whiskey. I always did, and that is why I never drink it.

It is easier to make our wishes conform to our means than to make our means conform to our wishes.

What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.

It's the loneliest feeling in the world-to find yourself standing up when everybody else is sitting down. To have everybody look at you and say, 'What's the matter with him?' I know. I know what it feels like. Walking down an empty street, listening to the sound of your own footsteps. Shutters closed, blinds drawn, doors locked against you. And you aren't sure whether you're walking toward something, or if you're just walking away.

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances

A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle.

My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good.

All motion is relative. Perhaps it is you who have moved away-by standing still

The consolidation of the states into one vast empire, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of ruin which has overwhelmed all that preceded it.

Go home all you boys who fought with me and help build up the shattered fortunes of our old state

We all thought Richmond, protected as it was by our splendid fortifications and defended by our army of veterans, could not be taken. Yet Grant turned his face to our Capital, and never turned it away until we had surrendered. Now, I have carefully searched the military records of both ancient and modern history, and have never found Grant's superior as a general. I doubt that his superior can be found in all history.