This classic book contains the biography of General Robert E. Lee, the famous military officer best known for having commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War.
The volume before the reader was begun in 1866. The writer first, however, informed General Lee of his design, and had the honour to receive from him in reply the assurance that the work “would not interfere with any he might have in contemplation; he had not written a line of any work as yet, and might never do so; but, should he write a history of the campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia, the proposed work would be rather an assistance than a hindrance.”
As the writer had offered promptly to discontinue the work if it were not agreeable to General Lee, this reply was regarded in the light of an assurance that he did not disapprove of it. The composition was, however, interrupted, and the work laid aside. It is now resumed and completed at a time when the death of the illustrious soldier adds a new and absorbing interest to whatever is connected with his character or career.
