Quote#Politics & Power
The questions which for years were in dispute between the State and…
Quote byRobert E. Lee · 1807–1870
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Letter to former Virginia governor John Letcher (28 August 1865), as quoted in Personal Reminiscences, Anecdotes, and Letters of Gen. Robert E. Lee (1875) by John William Jones, p. 203.
English (original)
The questions which for years were in dispute between the State and General Government, and which unhappily were not decided by the dictates of reason, but referred to the decision of war, having been decided against us, it is the part of wisdom to acquiesce in the result, and of candor to recognize the fact.
— Robert E. Lee
More from Robert E. Lee
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.
A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others.
I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself.
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.
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.
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 …