General Lee: A Biography of Robert E. Lee

Fitz Lee wrote several works about the Civil War that, along with other generals like Jubal Early, helped form the basis for the Lost Cause and helped create the reputation of reverence for Robert E. Lee that is still widely held today. In addition to deifying Robert E. Lee, Fitz Lee, Early, and other authors like them often clashed with former Confederate comrades like James Longstreet, who either were not Virginian or had been critical of Robert E. Lee themselves. Debates between the men persisted into the 20th century, and they’re partially responsible for memoirs like James Longstreet’s From Manassas to Appomattox.

In General Lee, Fitzhugh Lee covers his uncle’s life and career before and after the Civil War, but not surprisingly the most interesting part of the book deals with the war itself. Readers will quickly understand that Fitzhugh Lee holds his uncle above reproach, casting blame elsewhere for battles like Gettysburg. It is still a valuable resource today for understanding the Lost Cause mentality, and the manner in which hero worship of General Lee developed.

Excerpt:

The occasion has been embraced to express the uni versal regret that General Lee never wrote anything concerning his career and campaigns. His statements would have settled conflicting opinions on all subjects contained therein. We know that it was his intention to record the deeds of his soldiers, but not to write his personal memoirs. He waited for a convenient sea son, and waited too long. In this volume the attempt has been made to imperfectly supply the great desire to have something from Robert E. Lee's. Pen, by introduc ing, at the periods referred to, such extracts from his private letters as would be of general interest. He is thus made, for the first time, to give his impressions and Opinions on most ofothe great events with which he was so closely connected. Except in a few instances, the scope of the book has not permitted the tactical details of the battlefield, or the mention by name of many of the officers and organizations whose superb courage.