Book Review: Recollections & Letters of Robert E. Lee

Compiled by Capt. Robert. E. Lee. ISBN 0-914427-66-0 (Konecky & Konecky)

“It is well that war is so terrible – lest we should grow too fond of it.” (To James Longstreet, 1862)

You are probably wondering at this point what on Earth possessed me to read (and review) a book on a dead Confederate general. Why would any Jew be interested in that? Well, if you don’t know me by now, then you better read more of this blog. I have a wide range of interests, and one of those is the history of the Antebellum and Confederate South.

My interest in Southern history was first piqued in my late teens when I came across a Jewish Publication Society book called “They Were Jews.” The subjects of this anthology were famous Jewish personalities from all walks of life, and one of those notable Israelites was Judah P. Benjamin, a lawyer considered by both Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee to be the “brains” of the Confederacy. In fact, Benjamin was responsible for finance and diplomatic ventures; no small task for an emerging nation at war. There were several other Jews serving in the Confederate government as well. In light of what we are commonly taught about pre-war southern bigotry, this was an amazing piece of information. This was my entry into the fascinating world of Southern American history. (I have also read many of the writings of Jefferson Davis, and would have to quit my job to find time for all of them.)

My intent is not to write a biography of General Lee; there are enough of those already. This collection of writings and letters was compiled by his son, Captain Robert E., and shows a side of the ‘Old Man’ that most history texts don’t have time to offer. We see from his letters devotion to family, to principle, critical thinking skills, his desire for peace over war, reconciliation, sympathy, and kindness. A man comes into view who is not merely a great military strategist, but a kind husband, loving father, and erudite classical scholar; the warrior being the least of what General Lee wished for himself, being ever reluctant to engage in confrontation when diplomacy and kind words could solve a crisis through amicable agreement.

There are parts where General Lee reminisces about an old dog or horse that he is reminded of in a daydream. There are pieces of nostalgia that bring tears to one’s eyes reading them, and others that make you laugh out loud. The quality of his writing is a prose unmatched by many who deem themselves masterful poets. The General’s wide range of interests and communications are quite amazing. Many of those within Lee’s wide circle were also persons of character, learning, and principle.

I also felt something in common with the General that I did not expect. He and I share a favorite book, and he, too, kept a copy with him on his travels. It seems that the General was fond of ‘Thoughts of Marcus Aurelius’, and was editing a translation for an English philosophy professor. The General’s letters are often laced with Latin phrases, so bring a dictionary.

It has been said that Robert E. Lee was the true ‘gentleman soldier’. I have no doubt that much is true. From his personal letters, however, we now know him as much, much more.

This is a good read only if you have the interest beforehand. It can get tedious reading other people’s letters, so if you are going to try, take a few breaks from it along the way. This book offers both a more comprehensive picture of the man and the times in which he lived. A must read for American history enthusiasts.