“Letter To His Son”

1. Robert E. Lee “Letter To His Son” Claire Kates & Courtney Smith

2. Biography • Born January 19, 1807 • Gained military experience in the Mexican War • Superintendent at West Point • Offered the command of the Federal Army, but resigns his military commission instead.

3. Commanded troops of Virginia, then given the command of the entire Confederate Army • “Supreme General” • Opposed to secession, but would not invade his native state.

4. Post Civil War • Wanted to create a better life within the Union • He was “...rejoiced that Slavery was abolished.” • Became the President of Washington College (now Washington and Lee) • Died October 12, 1870

5. Historical Significance • “Letter To His Son” gave the viewpoint of a famous general before the Civil War started • The Union was breaking apart at the time this letter was written • Shows that succession saddened Lee

6. Many people may believe that the famous confederate general, Robert E. Lee would have been all for succession. • However, “Letter To His Son” clarifies that Lee was, in fact, in favor of preserving the Union • 3 months after this letter was written, Ft. Sumter was attacked.

7. Summary • Lee is saddened by the current state of the US • Says the Union is between a state of anarchy and civil war (chaotic) • Wants it to be peaceful • Says the 1st 4 states have already succeeded, and 4 more (including his own) are expected to follow • Believes North has been unfair to South

8. Does not want revenge • Shows Internal Conflict -Takes pride in his country but feels loyal to his state • Believes Constitution should be valued and the Union kept intact • If South succeeds, no real government would be established • War does not entice Lee • He will mourn for his country, but must return to his native state • Will not fight unless for defense

9. Key Literary Elements • This work is a literary letter. Lee wrote it to his son, but it was intended for a wider audience. • The internal conflict shown in this letter is that Lee does not want war or secession but refuses to take up arms against his state (Virginia). • The tone of “Letter to His Son” is one of resignation and sadness.

10. Reflection and Shaping of the Times • Most Authors at the time took a side: for the North, or for the South • Lee though, a southerner, tried to bridge that gap and was not ignorant of the Union’s side • Shaped times: May have allowed more people to see both sides

11. God, as well as honor were both important during this time period and are reflected in this work • “May God avert both of these evils from us.” • “I am willing to sacrifice everything but honor for its preservation.”

12. Why is this important to American Literature?? • Provides it’s readers with a new insight on it’s author. Lee demonstrates his love and loyalty to both his country and his state. • Many authors at this time were either Northerners, or Southerners. Lee (unknowingly) attempted to bridge the gap.