Robert E. Lee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Robert E. Lee - Essay Example Robert Edward Lee was one of the most beloved generals of the Civil War and possibly of all American history. To the men he led he was a hero, and even after his death he was still loved by all his former troops. He was a man who put everybody above himself. Robert E. Lee was born in Stratford, Virginia; the date was January 19, 1807. His father, Henry Lee, was well recognized with Washingtons army as Lighthorse Harry as well as it was a fame that rested not just on his cavalry exploits but upon his wonderful strategic and tactical ability. An important portion of his fame was attributed to him for beating off surprising British assault at Spread Eagle Tavern in January, 1778. On the evening of September 28, 1870, Lee became ill and was unable to speak coherently. He had suffered from a stroke that damaged the frontal lobes of the brain, which made speech impossible. Two weeks after lee got the stroke he took his breath on October 12, 1870. He was buried under the Lee Chapel which is located in Washington. Robert enrolled in the U.S. Military Academy in 1825 he wanted a successful career in the military. He in a class of 46 of cadets he ranked second. Immediately after graduation, at the age of 21 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Engineering Corps. On the occurrence of the Mexican War, in the year 1846, Lee was appointed to General Winfield Scotts private staff (William & Robert 1992) He went a head to Brazos on the sixteenth of January, 1847. The General was deep in planning for the combat at Vera Cruz. This was going to be Lees first experience under real fire. Due to his brilliant leadership and expertise in strategy, he won the honor of General Scott. Scott called Lee the best military mastermind in America, and the greatest soldier he ever laid eyes on in the field. Lee was there to see the admit defeat to the Mexicans on the 29th of March. He survived a lot of encounters by the enemy in the war