Robert
Edward Lee : Soldier of the Old South
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Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) was born at Stratford but his family moved to
Alexandria when he was just four. He was a great support to his mother when
his ailing father was frequently absent and his older brothers away to
study. When he was 18 he entered West Point, a choice as much dictated by
the poor financial state of his father's affairs as his own inclination to
serve in the US Army. At West Point, Robert E. Lee graduated second in his
class and thereafter devoted his life to the Army. He distinguished himself
during the Mexican War and thereafter rose steadily, becoming superintendent
of West Point (1852-55) and serving in Texas as a Lieutenant Colonel. At the
eve of Civil War, he refused the command of the Union armies …
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