On Feb 20, 10:13 am, "deemsb...@
aol.com"
aol.com> wrote:> On Feb 20, 10:09 am, Jack Linthicum
earthlink.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>> On Feb 20, 10:03 am, "D. Spencer Hines"
excelsior.com> wrote:>
>>> "I am not a Virginian, but an American."
>
>>> -- Patrick Henry (speech in the First Continental Congress,
>>> 6 September 1774)
>
>>> Reference: Patrick Henry: Life Correspondence and Speeches, Wirt,
>>> ed., vol. 1 (220); original Life and Works of John Adams, vol. 2
>>> (365)
>
>> Arlington, Washington City, P.O
>> 20 Apr 1861
>
>> Lt. Genl Winfield Scott
>> Commd U.S. Army
>
>> Genl,
>> Since my interview with you on the 18th Inst: I have felt that I ought
>> not longer to retain any Commission in the Army. I therefore tender my
>> resignation which I request you will recommend for acceptance. It
>> would have been presented at once but for the struggle it has Cost me
>> to separate myself from a Service to which I have divoted all the best
>> years of my life, & all the ability I possessed. During the whole of
>> that time, more than a quarter of a century, I have experienced
>> nothing but kindness from my superiors & the most Cordial friendships
>> from any Comrades. To no one Genl have I been as much indebted as to
>> yourself for kindness & Consideration & it has always been my ardent
>> desire to merit your approbation. I shall carry with me, to the grave
>> the most grateful recollections
>> of your kind Consideration, & your name & fame will always be dear to
>> me. Save in the defense of my native state shall I ever again draw my
>> sword. Be pleased to accept any more [illegible] wishes for "the
>> Continuance of your happiness & prosperity & believe me
>
>> Most truly yours
>> R E Lee
>
> Lots of fancy words for "I'm a traitor to the nation I swore to
> serve."
An honourable US tradition since Washington, and so shouldn't be held
against him, or against heroes like Benedict Arnold.
Hal
