Today is the birthdate of Robert E. Lee.  He was born on January 19, 1807 (and died October 12, 1870).  When the Union under Lincoln was preparing to invade the South, Lincoln asked Lee to come serve as a leader in the Union's military effort.  Lee, to his credit, declined, choosing to serve in Virginia and to defend his people from invasion.  I am no Lee scholar, but one good book which can serve as a good introduction is H. W. Crocker, III, Robert E. Lee on Leadership: Executive Lessons in Character, Courage, and Vision.

When Lee surrendered at Appomattox (April 9, 1865), he gave a farewell address (on the next day, April 10, 1865), which is the South's own "Gettysburg Address" (so Crocker):

After four years of arduous service, marked by unurpassed courage adn fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard-fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them.

But, feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

By the terms of the agreement officers adn men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.  You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the conciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.

With an increasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous considerations for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

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