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General Robert E. Lee (1807-1870) was a great general who commanded the Confederate Army. As a Confederate commander, Lee had great military achievements in the face of overwhelming odds and his outstanding personal character brought him fame. He won the admiration and respect of both Northerners and Southerners. Union General Ulysses S. Grant said, "There was not a man in the Confederacy whose influence with the whole people was as great as his," about Lee.
Unlike many Southerners, Lee did not believe in slavery and did not favor secession. But believing he owed his first loyalty to his own state, he declined an offer to command the Federal Army, and offered his services to the state of Virginia. In May 1862 Lee became commander of the main Confederate Army in Virginia -- the Army of Northern Virginia.
With General Stonewall Jackson at his side, Lee made bold attacks on the Federal Army and was victorious. His greatest victory was Chancellorsville (May 1863), but it cost him his right hand man, General Stonewall Jackson. After Chancellorsville he launched an attack in the North. The ensuing battle was Gettysburg and the Army of Northern Virginia suffered heavy casulaties. After this battle, the Confederate force would not be as formidable.
On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his forces to General Ulysses S. Grant.
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