Early Military: Lee’s wife and seven children would stay on the Mary’s father’s plantation while Lee would be committed to his military obligations. Lee’s job would keep his constantly moving around the states, forcing him to be away from his family. In 1846 Lee got the chance that he had been waiting for when the US went to war with Mexico. Lee was able to distinguish himself as a brave battle commander and a brilliant tactician, under the General Winfield Scott.
Life away from the battlefield was a struggle for Lee, as it was hard to manage both work and life. At a time Lee returned to his wife's family's plantation to manage the estate, following the death of his father-in-law. The property had recently fallen under hard times, and for two long years, he tried to make it profitable again.
In 1859 Lee would return to the army at a small post in Texas. He was assigned to put an end to an anti-slavery rebellion led by John Brown at Harper’s Ferry. Lee's attack took a single hour to put an end to the rebellion, and his success put him on a short list of names to lead the Union Army should the nation go to war. Lee would turn down an offer from Abraham Lincoln to lead the union forces, so he could return home. In April of 1861 Lee would decide to lead the confederate army after Virginia decided to secede from the nation.
Robert E. Lee
Born inStratford Virginia on January 19th, 1807. He came from a very wealthy family with positions as president, Chief justice of the United States, and members that signed the declaration of independence. His Father, Colonel Henry Lee was a war hero from the American revolution and received praise from George Washington. Lee continued the greatness running in his family, and at the age of 18 enroll at West Point Military Academy. Lee was at the top of his class as he would finish with perfect scores in artillery, infantry, and cavalry. After graduating from West Point, Lee would go on to meet his future wife, Mary Custis, Granddaughter of George Washington. They would have seven children, three boys and four girls.
Who was the better leader?
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