What Robert E. Lee Means to Me
By Abigail Lang · Originally published September 2020 · p. 37
One of my favorite historical characters lived during the War Between the States. His name was Robert Edward Lee and he was born on January 19, 1807. Although most people recognize him as the commander of the Confederate Army, he also held many other titles. Apart from fighting in the War Between the States, Lee also fought in the
Mexican-American War. Lee was also the superintendent of West Point Military Academy from 1852–1855. He was president of Washington College in Lexington, Va., from 1865 until his death in 1870. There were many titles and posts that Lee held in his life in both military and civilian roles. However, he always sought to make the right decision regardless of where he was. We can learn many things about Robert E. Lee. However, one of the most critical issues he is famous for is perseverance. For example, when he was a young boy, about 11-years-old, his father died. After his father died Lee promised himself that he would apply himself very diligently to his studies and go to college. That was probably difficult for him especially as a boy. He probably had very many temptations to not study and go play with his friends. The Lee family had many financial difficulties due to the death of Robert’s father at such a young age. Later as a college student at the Military Academy, he most likely had many temptations to go have fun, not study, or even drop out of West Point. He did not quit and graduated with NO DEMERITS his senior year. No one has ever been able to do that before or after Lee all the way up to the present day. Ulysses S. Grant, the leading general of the United States Army in the War Between the States, who later became president, also went to West Point. He got over 250 Demerits during his time as a student at West Point. Later in life Lee would find himself surrendering to Grant at Appomattox after a war that lasted four years. Robert E. Lee was an outstanding character who we should all try to make ourselves like. He was a great example of perseverance and trying to do the right thing. President John F. Kennedy stated, “As a New Englander, I recognize that the South is still the land of Washington, who made our Nation, of Jefferson, who shaped its direction, and of Robert E. Lee who, after gallant failure, urged those who had followed him in bravery to reunite America in purpose and courage.” While it would be wrong to think Robert E. Lee always made the correct choice, he is still someone that we can all admire and learn from in our lives. Abigail Lang is 13-years-old and has been homeschooled her entire life. She enjoys reading books about The War Between the States, Robert E. Lee, and the Battle of New Market. Her family has been going to the New Market reenactment for about three years. One of her favorite parts of the reenactment weekend is the dancing. Her family got her interested in New Market because her ancestor fought and was killed there.
His name was Captain Conrad Currence of the 62nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. On a trip to Lexington, Va., she was able see the Virginia Military Institute and learned the cadets fought at New Market. She hopes to attend Virginia Military Institute when she graduates from homeschooling.
