Robert E. Lee, whose birthday on Friday (Jan. 19th) is celebrated this month, is one of the most remarkable men America has ever produced.

While Lee waited in Richmond after the war to learn if he would be arrested, two Confederates in tattered uniforms appeared at his door.  They had been chosen by their 60 comrades because their clothes were the least tattered.  They had found a farm in the mountains, reachable only through a narrow pass, and if Lee and his family would come there, those soldiers would defend the Lees with their lives.

Lee was moved to tears by their offer but declined it.  A day or two later, there was another pounding on the door, and when Lee's sons opened it, there stood a grizzled Union sergeant with a boy, holding a big basket of food.  This man had served with Lee on the Western frontier before the war, had heard that Lee was hungry and wouldn't stand for that.

Lee, who had heard the commotion, assured the man that they had plenty of food but finally said he would accept the gift if the sergeant would agree that it be sent to the hospital for use by the wounded.  Before Lee's sons could stop him, the sergeant grabbed Lee in a bear hug and planted a kiss on his cheek, "Goodbye, Colonel!  God bless ye.  If I could have got over in time, I would have been with ye".

What was it about Lee that provoked such loyalty and affection among common soldiers?

Lee was always reserved and dignified, tightly disciplined, and almost never showed his emotions.  But one of Lee's subordinates said of the Confederate soldiers, "As a military leader, they respected Lee, but as a man they loved him".

The answer is Lee's character.  He was, indeed a hero, an outstanding soldier.  But first and foremost, he was a Christian.  He never took credit for victory and never blamed anyone else for defeat.  In fact, he never publicly criticized anyone or answered any of his critics.  He wore a plain uniform, rarely carried a weapon and invariably passed gifts of food or clothing directly on to his men.

Alexander Stephens, the Confederate vice president, said of Lee, "What I had seen General Lee to be at first - childlike in simplicity and unselfish in his character - he remained, unspoiled by praise and by success."

At the end of the war, he was world-famous.  Lucrative offers poured in.  One English Lord offered him an estate.  But unlike modern generals of far fewer accomplishments, Lee found the idea of profiting from the death and misery of war unthinkable.  He wanted to be useful and finally accepted the presidency of Washington College in Virginia, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.

His character is revealed in his letters.  In writing to one of his sons, he stated, "You and Custis (the oldest son) must take great care of your kind mother and dear sisters when your father is dead.  To do that, you must learn to be good.  Be true, kind and generous, and pray earnestly to God to enable you to keep his commandments."

In a letter to a daughter visiting friends, he reminded her that it would not be becoming of a Virginia girl to be fine or fashionable.  "While her people are suffering, she should practice self-denial and show her sympathy in their affliction."

To another daughter, he wrote, "I hope you will also find time to read and improve your mind.  Read history, works of truth, not novels and romances.  Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light.  It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave with out regret."