Robert E. Lee Quotes

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

Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances

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

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

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

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

True patriotism sometimes requires of men to act exactly contrary, at one period, to that which it does at another, and the motive which impels them — the desire to do right — is precisely the same.

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

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 pray for them.

After it is all over, as stupid a fellow as I am can see that mistakes were made. I notice, however, that my mistakes are never told me until it is too late, and you, and all my officers, know that I am always ready and anxious to have their suggestions.

My experiences of men has neither disposed me to think worse of them nor be indisposed to serve them: nor, in spite of failures which I lament, of errors which I now see and acknowledge, or the present aspect of affairs, do I despair of the future. The truth is this: The march of Providence is so slow and our desires so impatient; the work of progress so immense and our means of aiding it so feeble; the life of humanity is so long, that of the individual so brief, that we often see only the ebb of the advancing wave and are thus discouraged. It is history that teaches us to hope.

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

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

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

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