R.E. Lee Monumental Association

Preserving History

Robert E. Lee Quotes

"Mr. Blair, I look upon secession as anarchy. If I owned the four millions of slaves in the South, I would sacrifice them all to the Union; but how can I draw my sword upon Virginia, my native State?"

-Robert E. Lee

"A land without memories is a people without liberty."

-Robert E. Lee

"I believe it to be the duty of everyone to unite in the restoration of the country and the reestablishment of peace and harmony."

-Robert E. Lee

"You must be careful how you walk and where you go, for there are those following you who will set their feet where yours are set."

-Robert E. Lee

"What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world."

-Robert E. Lee

"What a cruel thing war is... to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors."

-Robert E. Lee

"Act with a determination not to be turned aside by thoughts of the past and fears of the future."

-Robert E. LEE

"Sir, if you ever presume again to speak disrespectfully of General Grant in my presence, either you or I will sever his connection with this university."

-Robert E. Lee

"The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He cannot only forgive, he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which impart sufficient strength to let the past be but the past. A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others."

-Robert E. Lee