A Life of Gen. Robert E. Lee

The biography traces his family origins and formative years, follows his career in the United States Army and the circumstances of his resignation, and records the civic reception and appointment to Virginia command. It then examines his strategic decisions and battlefield leadership throughout successive campaigns — the Peninsula and Seven Days, northern incursions, Maryland and Fredericksburg operations, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and later engagements through the Wilderness and Spotsylvania — describing maneuvers, relations with subordinates and cavalry actions, and concluding with his final campaigns and last days. The narrative emphasizes character, military judgment, and measured moderation in public statements.