Robert E. Lee: Letter to Custis Lee

( 1861 ) Commentary by Brooks D. Simpson, Arizona State University

“Secession is nothing but revolution.” - Letter to Custis Lee
“Still, 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. I shall mourn for my country and for the welfare and progress of mankind. If the Union is dissolved, and the Government disrupted, I shall return to my native State and share the miseries of my people, and save in defence will draw my sword on none.” - Letter to Custis Lee

Robert E. Lee (Library of Congress)

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