Robert E. Lee Quotes

I would rather die a thousand deaths than surrender.

You must study to be frank with the world: frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right.

You cannot barter manhood for peace.

It is good that war is so horrible, or we might grow to like it.

I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.

I think it better to do right, even if we suffer in so doing, than to incur the reproach of our consciences and posterity.

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

We must look to the rising generation for the restoration of the country.

Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.

The biggest mistake of my life was taking a military education.

I am now considered such a monster, that I hesitate to darken with my shadow, the doors of those I love, lest I should bring upon them misfortune.

We have but one rule here, and that is that every student must be a gentleman.

You have only always to do what is right. It will become easier by practice, and you enjoy in the midst of your trials the pleasure of an approving conscience.

Traveler is my only companion; I may also say my pleasure. He and I, whenever practicable, wander out in the mountains and enjoy sweet confidence.

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

It is history that teaches us to hope.

Respect is based on Friendship,and friendship is based on love and love is so accidental isn't it ?

But what a cruel thing is war to separate and destroy families and friends.

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

Live in the world you inhabit. Look upon things as they are. Take them as you find them. Make the best of them. Turn them to your advantage.

It is well that war is so terrible. We should grow too fond of it.

You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey.

We must...submit ourselves in adversity to the will of a merciful God as cheerfully as in prosperity.

I pray that on this day [Christmas] when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind, better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn them to peace.

The enemy is here, and if we do not whip him, he will whip us.

My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.

He has lost his left arm, but I my right.

We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.

As a general principle you should not force young men to do their duty, but let them do it voluntarily and thereby develop their characters.

Say what you mean to do...and take it for granted you mean to do right. Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one...you will wrong him and wrong yourself by equivocation of any kind.

Ideas are easy to conceive, less easy to execute.

Death, in its silent sure march is fast gathering those whom I have longest loved, so that when he shall knock at my door, I will more willingly follow.

We must forgive our enemies.

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.

My heart bleeds at the death of every one of our gallant men.

I should NOT be trading on the blood of my men.

Let us go home and cultivate our virtues.

I believe I may so, looking into my own heart, and speaking as in the presence of God, that I have never know one moment of bitterness or resentment.

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

History teaches us hope.

Let danger never turn you aside from the pursuit of honor or the service to your country ... Know that death is inevitable and the fame of virtue is immortal

All this has been my fault.

I am as willing to serve now as in the beginning in any capacity and at any post where I can do good. The lower the position, the more suitable to my ability and the more agreeable to my feelings.

Lee tells his troops. After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

Any victory would be dear at such a price.

The devil's name is dullness.

We cannot afford to be idle, and though weaker than our opponents in men and military equipments, must endeavor to harass, if we cannot destroy them.

There is nothing left for me to do but to go and see General Grant and I would rather die a thousand deaths.

Without music, we wouldn't have an Army.

For I consider the character of no man affected by a want of success, provided he has made an honest effort to succeed.