The Idol Of The South
...form of warfare that unfolded with the Civil war, but this did not prevent him from keeping the Union armies in Virginia at bay for almost three years. The son of Revolutionary War hero "Light Horse" Harry Lee (Troiani 135) who fell into disrepute in his later years attended West Point and graduated second in his class. During his four years at the military academy he did not earn a single demerit and served as the cadet corps' adjutant. Upon his 1829 graduation he was posted to the engineers. Before the Mexican War he served on engineering projects in Georgia, Virginia, and New York. During the war he served on the staffs of John Wool and Winfield Scott. Particularly distinguishing himself scouting for and guiding troops, he won three brevets and was slightly wounded at Chapultepec. Lee's involvement played more than just a crucial role in the "manifestation of man's evils," otherwise known as the Civil War.
Robert E. Lee was born on January 19th, 1807. He was the offspring of two proud parents, one Harry Lee, who had been renowned during the Revolutionary War, and was commemorated by General Washington himself (Wilkins). Lee's father was an exceptional horseman, and had won many engagements against British cavalry. Lee's mother was Anne Hill Carter, a supposed descendant of King Robert II. His parents raised him to perfection, always demanding the best out of the young Robert, and when he attended West Point and graduated with the highest score to date, he set his sight on United States Military Academy. Graduating 2nd out of a class of 46, he moved into the Army core of engineers to further his military knowledge. Lee's knowledge of the land became one of his essential aspects in the field, making his ability to use the natural terrain a feared and respected bonus of Lee. In Saint Louis the mighty Mississippi threatened to redirect its current, resulting in...
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