Lee & Jackson Tribute Page

Robert Edward Lee

"In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."

Lee's mother instructed him in the Christian faith beginning in her son's early childhood. His mother taught the catechism at an early age. Lee's baptism was in the Episcopal Church. He attended Christ Church in Alexandria. He was also a vestryman. Yet, his public affirmation of faith did not take place until 17 July 1853, on a leave from his superintendent duties at West Point. Lee and his two daughters were became members at Christ Church. The Right Reverend John Johns Bishop of Virginia, told Lee: "Colonel Lee, if you make as valiant a soldier for Christ as you have made for your country, the church will be as proud of you as your country is now" (Roddy 55-56). Although Lee was a fervent Christian, he held respect for soldiers other faiths. In one correspondence with the leader of a Jewish congregation, General Lee provided assurance. Lee wrote that he would do everything in his "power to facilitate the observance of the duties of their religion by the Israelites in the army and will allow them every indulgence consistent with safety and discipline." Once a Jewish Confederate soldier's commanding officer did not wish to grant permission aloowing him to attend synagogue. Lee countermanded the denial. On the order he wrote, "Approved and respectfully returned to Captain _____ with the advice that he should always respect the religious views and feelings of others" (Rosen 233).

Roddy, Lee. Gallant Christian Soldier Robert E. Lee. Fenton, MI: Mott Media,1977.

Rosen, Robert N. The Jewish Confederates. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press, 2000.

Robert E. Lee Lee and Stonewall Jackson were brilliant military strategists and devout Christians. Their faith guided their conduct while on and off duty.