[ARLINGTON, VA., April
20, 1861.]
My Dear Sister:
I am grieved at my inability to see you. I have been waiting
for a more “convenient season,” which has brought to many before me deep and
lasting regret. We are now in a state of war which will yield to nothing. The
whole South is in a state of revolution, into which Virginia, after a long
struggle, has been drawn; and though I recognize no necessity for this state of
things, and would have forborne and pleaded to the end for redress of
grievances, real or supposed, yet in my own person I had to meet the question
whether I should take part against my native State. With all my devotion to the
Union, and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not
been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my
children, my home. I have, therefore, resigned my commission in the Army, and
save in defense of my native State — with the sincere hope that my poor
services may never be needed — I hope I may never be called upon to draw my
sword.
I know you will blame me; but you must think as kindly of me
as you can, and believe that I have endeavored to do what I thought right. To
show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me, I send you a copy of my letter of resignation. I have no time for more.
May God guard and protect you and yours, and shower upon you
everlasting blessings, is the prayer of
Your devoted brother,
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: John William Jones, Life and Letters of
Robert Edward Lee: Soldier and Man, p. 133-4
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