More On Lee (October 1991 | Volume: 42, Issue: 6)

More On Lee

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October 1991 | Volume 42, Issue 6


In his fine article “Getting Right With Robert E. Lee” (May/June), I believe Stephen W. Sears missed the point on the character of this Confederate military genius. Like most revolutionary figures of this world, Lee lacked any sense of what future he was fighting for, but only saw what he was fighting against. This may be honorable and gallant in the short term, or in a very limited sense, but Lee fought against what George Washington’s greater vision told him he was fighting for—a stronger union. In short, I look upon Lee as a Shakespearean-type tragic figure, and therein lies his fascination.