Robert E. Lee

The framers of our Constitution never exhausted so much labor, wisdom, and forbearance in its formation, and surrounded it with so many guards and securities, if it was intended to be broken by every member of the Confederacy at will. It …

I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union.

You see what a poor sinner I am, and how unworthy to possess what was given me; for that reason, it has been taken away.

Mr. Blair, I look upon secession as anarchy. If I owned the four millions of slaves in the South, I would sacrifice them all to the Union; but how can I draw my sword upon Virginia, my native State?

The blacks are immeasurably better off here than in Africa, morally, socially & physically.

I think it however a greater evil to the white man than to the black race

slavery as an institution, is a moral & political evil in any Country

The Abolitionist... must see that he has neither the right or power of operating except by moral means and suasion.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

I have fought against the people of the North because I believed they were seeking to wrest from the South its dearest rights. But I have never cherished toward them bitter or vindictive feelings, and have never seen the day when I did not …

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

The forbearing use of power does not only form a touchstone, but the manner in which an individual enjoys certain advantages over others is a test of a true gentleman.

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.

I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself.

We must forgive our enemies. I can truly say that not a day has passed since the war began that I have not prayed for them.