A painting of Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) an American soldier known for commanding the Confederates
Image details
Contributor:
Cayman / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
FNJ2CYFile size:
17.2 MB (681.5 KB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
2000 x 3000 px | 16.9 x 25.4 cm | 6.7 x 10 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
6 March 2016More information:
Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was an American soldier known for commanding the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862 until his surrender in 1865. The son of Revolutionary War officer Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, Lee was a top graduate of the United States Military Academy and an exceptional officer and military engineer in the United States Army for 32 years. During this time, he served throughout the United States, distinguished himself during the Mexican–American War, served as Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, and married Mary Custis. When Virginia declared its secession from the Union in April 1861, Lee chose to follow his home state, despite his personal desire for the country to remain intact and despite an offer of a senior Union command. During the first year of the Civil War, Lee served as a senior military adviser to President Jefferson Davis. Once he took command of the main field army in 1862 he soon emerged as a shrewd tactician and battlefield commander, winning most of his battles, all against far superior Union armies. Lee's strategic foresight was more questionable, and both of his major offensives into Union territory ended in defeat.[4][5][6] Lee's aggressive tactics, which resulted in high casualties at a time when the Confederacy had a shortage of manpower, have come under criticism in recent years. Beginning in 1863, Union generals such as Ulysses S. Grant began to turn the tide against the Confederates. Grant was eventually appointed General in Chief of all Union armies, and began to direct operations against Lee. Lee was unable to stop Grant's aggressive advances during the Overland Campaign and Richmond–Petersburg Campaign. After being thoroughly outmaneuvered, Lee surrendered his entire army to Grant at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. By this time, Lee had assumed supreme command of the remaining Southern armies
