Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861
General (Winfield Scott): Since my interview with you on the 18th inst. I have felt that I ought no longer to retain my commission in the Army. I therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It would have been presented at once but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted the best years of my life, and all the ability I possessed.
During the whole of that time – more than a quarter of a century – I have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors and a most cordial friendship from my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration, and it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation. I shall carry to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, and your name and fame shall always be dear to me.
Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword.
Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of your happiness and prosperity, and believe me most truly yours,
(Signed) R. E. Lee
Arlington, Virginia, April 20 1861
My Dear Sister (Mrs. Anne Marshall): I am grieved at my inability to see you… I have been waiting for a more ‘convenient season,’ which has brought to many before me deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war which will yield nothing. The whole South is in a state of revolution, into which Virginia, after a long struggle, has been drawn; and though I recognize no necessity for this state of things, and would have forborne and pleaded to the end for redress of grievances, real or supposed, yet in my own person I had to meet the question whether I should take part against my native State.
With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword. I know you will blame me; but you must think as kindly of me as you can, and believe that I have endeavored to do what I thought right.
To show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me, I send you a copy of my letter of resignation. I have no time for more. May God guard and protect you and yours, and shower upon you everlasting blessings, is the prayer of your devoted brother,
(Signed) R. E. Lee
Lee, Robert E. “Chapter II: The Confederate General.” Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee, Doubleday, Page & Company, New York, NY, 1904, pp. 24–26, https://archive.org/details/recollectionslet00inleer/page/n8/mode/1up. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Black Horse Camp #780 