Quotes from Robert E. Lee

There is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.

The dominant party cannot reign forever, and truth and justice will prevail at last.

All I ever wanted was a Virginia farm, no end of cream and fresh butter and fried chicken - not one fried chicken, or two, but unlimited fried chicken.

A Union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets, and in which strife and civil war are to take the place of brotherly love and kindness, has no charm for me.

Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university.

Alabama soldiers, all I ask of you is to keep up with the Texans!

What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to His creatures, has given us! What a shame that men endowed with reason and knowledge of right should mar His gifts.

I did only what my duty demanded. I could have taken no other course without dishonor.

You cannot barter manhood for peace.

We must look to the rising generation for the restoration of the country.

I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune.

Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage.

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.

We must...submit ourselves in adversity to the will of a merciful God as cheerfully as in prosperity.

The enemy is here, and if we do not whip him, he will whip us.

My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.

He has lost his left arm, but I my right.

Death, in its silent sure march is fast gathering those whom I have longest loved, so that when he shall knock at my door, I will more willingly follow.

Any victory would be dear at such a price.

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

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

It is well that war is so terrible - we would grow too fond of it.

The war... was an unnecessary condition of affairs, and might have been avoided if forebearance and wisdom had been practiced on both sides.

Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain.