What year did Robert E Lee graduate from West Point and what was his class rank?

Young Robert delivered a letter to United States Secretary of War John C. Calhoun before entering West Point in the summer of 1825. He graduated second in his class behind Charles Mason who resigned from the Army a year later without incurring any demerits during four years of study.

Robert E. Lee: the story on HearLore

Q: Who did Robert E Lee marry and when did they wed?

Lee courted Mary Custis whom he had known since childhood while home in summer 1829. They wed on the 30th of June 1831 after she accepted with parental consent during summer leave following her refusal of his first marriage proposal.

Q: How did Robert E Lee perform during the Mexican American War spanning 1846 through 1848?

Lee distinguished himself as chief aide to Winfield Scott marching Veracruz to Mexico City by finding routes Mexicans had not defended thinking terrain impassable. Promoted brevet major after Battle Cerro Gordo the 18th of April 1847 he fought Contreras Churubusco Chapultepec wounded last engagement.

Q: When did Robert E Lee surrender to Ulysses S Grant at Appomattox Court House?

Union attack Petersburg succeeded the 2nd of April 1865 leading Lee to abandon Richmond retreat west make attempt escape southwest join Joseph E Johnston Army Tennessee North Carolina soon surrounded surrendered Grant the 9th of April 1865 Battle Appomattox Court House other Confederate armies followed suit war ended day after issued Farewell Address army resisted calls officers reject surrender allow small units melt away mountains setting lengthy guerrilla war insisted war over energetically campaigned inter-sectional reconciliation rejoiced slavery abolished believed greatly interests South.

Robert Edward Lee was born at Stratford Hall Plantation in Westmoreland County, Virginia on the 19th of January 1807. His father Henry Lee III suffered severe financial reverses from failed investments and was put in debtors' prison. The family moved to Alexandria after his release because local schools were high quality and relatives lived nearby. In 1812 Lee's father moved permanently to the West Indies leaving the children behind. Anne Hill Carter Lee supported the family through a relative named William Henry Fitzhugh who owned their house on Oronoco Street. Fitzhugh wrote to United States Secretary of War John C. Calhoun urging that Robert be given an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Young Robert delivered the letter himself before entering West Point in the summer of 1825. The curriculum focused heavily on engineering with the head of the Army Corps of Engineers supervising the school. Cadets could not leave until finishing two years of study and rarely went off grounds. Lee graduated second in his class behind Charles Mason who resigned from the Army a year later. He did not incur any demerits during four years of study sharing this distinction with only five of his forty-five classmates. In June 1829 he received a commission as brevet second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

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On the 11th of August 1829 Brigadier General Charles Gratiot ordered Lee to Cockspur Island Georgia. The plan involved building a fort on marshy ground commanding the outlet of the Savannah River. Lee participated in early construction stages while workers drained and built up the island. By 1831 Fort Pulaski required revamping so Lee transferred to Fort Monroe at the tip of Virginia Peninsula. While home in summer 1829 Lee courted Mary Custis whom he had known since childhood. She warned him to be discreet in writing letters because her mother read them especially those from men. Custis refused Lee's first marriage proposal since her father doubted the son of disgraced Light-Horse Harry Lee was suitable. They wed on the 30th of June 1831 after she accepted with parental consent during summer leave. Duties at Fort Monroe ranged from budgeting to designing buildings though Mary spent about one-third time at Arlington House. Beginning in 1832 Lee maintained close platonic relationship with Harriett Talcott wife of fellow officer Andrew Talcott. Life there featured conflicts between artillery and engineering officers leading War Department to transfer all engineers except Lee. He moved to artificial island Rip Raps across river where Fort Wool would eventually rise. In mid-1835 Lee assisted Andrew Talcott surveying southern border of Michigan responding to ill Mary's letter requesting immediate return. Completed assignment returned to Washington finding his wife bedridden for months after giving birth to second child. Promoted to first lieutenant in October 1836 Lee supervised engineering work for St Louis harbor and upper Mississippi Missouri rivers. Mapping Des Moines Rapids above Keokuk Iowa opened large portion river to commercial navigation allowing transport agricultural products grain-producing areas upper Mississippi eventual creation long list new cities.

Lee distinguished himself in Mexican American War spanning 1846 through 1848 as chief aide Winfield Scott marched Veracruz to Mexico City. Personal reconnaissance found routes Mexicans had not defended thinking terrain impassable. Promoted brevet major after Battle Cerro Gordo the 18th of April 1847 he fought Contreras Churubusco Chapultepec wounded last engagement. By war end received additional brevet promotions lieutenant colonel colonel permanent rank remained captain until cavalry transfer 1855. First time Robert E Lee Ulysses S Grant met worked together during conflict close observations commanders constituted learning process both men. War concluded the 2nd of February 1848 leaving three years Fort Carroll Baltimore harbor interrupted duties surveying updating maps Florida. Cuban revolutionary Narciso López intended forcibly liberate Cuba Spanish rule searching leader filibuster expedition approached Jefferson Davis then United States senator. Davis declined suggesting Lee who also declined deciding inconsistent with duties. Early 1850s proved difficult time Lee long absences home increasing disability wife troubles managing large slave plantation often morbid concern personal failures. Appointed Superintendent Military Academy West Point 1852 reluctant enter snake pit War Department insisted obeyed. Three years improved buildings courses spent much time cadets oldest son George Washington Custis Lee attended West Point tenure graduated first class 1854. Enormously relieved receive long-awaited promotion second-in-command 2nd Cavalry Regiment Texas 1855 meant leaving Engineering Corps sequence staff jobs combat command truly wanted. Served under Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston Camp Cooper Texas mission protect settlers Apache Comanche attacks.

In 1857 father-in-law George Washington Parke Custis died creating serious crisis Lee took burden executing will. Estate encompassed vast landholdings hundreds slaves massive debts requiring people formerly enslaved emancipated executors manner seem expedient proper said emancipation accomplished not exceeding five years time death. Plantations poorly managed losing money Lee tried hire overseer handle plantation absence writing cousin wish get energetic honest farmer considerate kind negroes firm make them do duty. Failed find man job taking two-year leave army run plantation himself. Strict expectations harsher punishments enslaved nearly led revolt since many understood made free soon Custis died protested angrily delay. May 1858 wrote son Rooney trouble some people Reuben Parks Edward beginning previous week rebelled authority refused obey orders said free Lee succeeded capturing lodging jail resisted till overpowered called upon other people rescue them. Less than two months sent three men three female house slaves Alexandria jail decided remove locking key slave-trader William Overton Winston Richmond instructed keep jail until finding good responsible enslavers work end five-year period. By 1860 only one family left intact estate families together time Mount Vernon. Wesley Norris Mary Norris cousin fled North few miles Pennsylvania border captured forced return plantation the 24th of June 1859 anti-slavery newspaper New York Daily Tribune published anonymous letters claiming Lee whipped Norrises overseer refused whip woman Lee took whip flogged personally. Norris spoke out war 1866 interview printed abolitionist newspaper National Anti-Slavery Standard claimed told lesson would not soon forget ordered tied firmly posts 50 lashes men 20 Mary Norris encouraged whipping hired county constable do instead.

Lee initially remained loyal Union after Texas seceded Harpers Ferry raid October 1859 involved band 21 abolitionists seizing federal arsenal hoping incite slave rebellion. President James Buchanan gave command detachments militia soldiers United States Marines suppress uprising arrest leaders. Arrived night militia surrounded Brown hostages dawn Brown refused surrender demand attacked followers captured three minutes fighting. Summary report showed believed attempt fanatic madman achieved temporary success creating panic confusion magnifying number participants involved raid. February 1861 Lt Col Robert E Lee relieved Major Heintzelman Fort Brown Mexican authorities offered restrain citizens making predatory descents territory people Texas Cortina War last active operation Rip Ford Texas Ranger described dignified without hauteur grand pride evinced imperturbable self-possession complete control passions capacity accomplish great ends gift controlling leading men. When Texas seceded Union February 1861 General David E Twiggs surrendered American forces about 4,000 including Lee commander Department Texas Texans immediately resigned made Confederate general. Went back Washington appointed Colonel First Regiment Cavalry March 1861 colonelcy signed new president Abraham Lincoln. Three weeks promotion offered senior command rank Major General expanding Army fight Southern States left Union. Accepted promotion colonel appointment command 1st Cavalry Regiment March 28 swearing oath United States ignoring offer command Confederacy. After Lincoln call troops put down rebellion Virginia convention voted declare secession April 17 ratified May 23 referendum. That night dined brother Smith cousin Phillips naval officers indecision Phillips went War Department next morning warn government might lose cousin if acted quickly. Washington day offered role major general command defense national capital by presidential advisor Francis P Blair replied declined accepting resignation before receiving orders Scott said greatest mistake life agreed avoid dishonor resigning.

Spring 1862 Peninsula campaign Union Army Potomac under George B McClellan advanced Richmond Fort Monroe progressing up Peninsula forced Gen Joseph E Johnston Army Virginia retreat point north east Confederate capital. Johnston wounded Battle Seven Pines the 1st of June 1862 giving Lee first opportunity lead army field force renamed Army Northern Virginia signaling confidence Union army driven away Richmond. Early war called Granny Lee allegedly timid style command Confederate newspaper editorials objected replacing Johnston opining passive waiting Union attack seemed true initially three weeks June did not show aggression strengthening Richmond defenses. However June 25 surprised Army Potomac launched rapid series bold attacks Seven Days Battles despite superior Union numbers clumsy tactical performances subordinates derailed McClellan plans drove back most forces heavy casualties unnerved McClellan famed caution retreated lower James River abandoned Peninsula completely August. Success changed Confederate morale public regard Lee men called Marse Robert term respect affection following Seven Days until end war. Setback resulting drop Union morale impelled Lincoln adopt new policy relentless committed warfare moving north marched rapidly towards Washington DC defeated another Union army Gen John Pope Second Battle Bull Run late August eliminated Pope reinforcements McClellan arrived knocking entire field command before another could support it. Less than 90 days ran McClellan off Peninsula defeated Pope moved battle lines north from north Richmond south Washington chose take battle southern ground invaded Maryland Pennsylvania hoping collect supplies Union territory possibly win victory sway upcoming Union elections favor ending war.

Critical decisions came May June 1863 after smashing victory Battle Chancellorsville western front crumbling multiple uncoordinated Confederate armies unable handle General Ulysses S Grant campaign Vicksburg top military advisers wanted save Vicksburg Lee persuaded Davis overrule authorize yet another invasion North immediate goal acquire urgently needed supplies rich farming districts Pennsylvania long-term goal stimulate peace activity North demonstrating power South invade. Decision proved significant strategic blunder cost Confederacy control western regions nearly cost own army Union forces cut off South launched Gettysburg campaign abandoning position Rapahannock crossed Potomac River into Maryland June Hooker mobilized men pursued replaced Gen George G Meade June 28 few days two armies clashed town Gettysburg Pennsylvania early July produced largest number casualties American Civil War. Some subordinates new inexperienced J.E.B Stuart cavalry failed perform effective reconnaissance first day surprise affair both sides Confederates managed rally forces first pushing panicked Union troops away town towards key terrain should taken General Ewell not taken. Second day unfolded differently Confederates took too much time assemble launched repeated failed assaults against Union left flank difficult terrain third day decision going advice best corps commander Gen James Longstreet launch massive frontal assault center Union line disastrous carried wide field known commonly Pickett Charge easily repulsed resulted severe Confederate losses rode meet remains division proclaimed All fault had choice withdraw escaped Meade ineffective pursuit slipping back Virginia.

Following defeat sent letter resignation President Davis the 8th of August 1863 refused pleas retire fall Lee Meade met again minor campaigns Bristoe Mine Run little change strategic standoff Confederate Army never fully recovered substantial losses incurred three-day battle southern Pennsylvania Civil War Historian Shelby Foote stated Gettysburg price South paid having Robert E Lee commander. In 1864 new Union general-in-chief Lt Gen Ulysses S Grant sought use large advantages manpower material resources destroy Lee's army attrition pinning Richmond successfully stopped attack Grant superior numbers kept pushing each time bit farther southeast battles Overland Campaign included Wilderness Spotsylvania Court House Cold Harbor eventually stealthily move army across James River stopping Union attempt capture Petersburg vital railroad link supplying Richmond men built elaborate trenches presaged trench warfare World War I attempted break stalemate sending Jubal A Early raid Shenandoah Valley Washington DC defeated early Philip Sheridan superior forces Siege Petersburg lasted June 1864 March 1865 outnumbered poorly supplied army shrinking daily desertions disheartened Confederates. the 6th of February 1865 appointed General Chief Armies Confederate States South ran out manpower issue arming slaves became paramount explained employ delay gradual general emancipation first units training war ended devastated casualties disease desertion Union attack Petersburg succeeded the 2nd of April 1865 abandoned Richmond retreated west made attempt escape southwest join Joseph E Johnston Army Tennessee North Carolina soon surrounded surrendered Grant the 9th of April 1865 Battle Appomattox Court House other Confederate armies followed suit war ended day after issued Farewell Address army resisted calls officers reject surrender allow small units melt away mountains setting lengthy guerrilla war insisted war over energetically campaigned inter-sectional reconciliation rejoiced slavery abolished believed greatly interests South.

Robert E. Lee.

Engineer On The Mississippi

Engineer On The Mississippi

Reconnaissance In Mexico

The Arlington Estate

The Choice To Resign

Seven Days And Bull Run

Gettysburg And Defeat

Appomattox And Legacy

Reconnaissance In Mexico

The Arlington Estate

The Choice To Resign

Seven Days And Bull Run

Gettysburg And Defeat

Appomattox And Legacy

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Common questions

Robert E. Lee.

1. Engineer On The Mississippi

1. Engineer On The Mississippi

2. Reconnaissance In Mexico

3. The Arlington Estate

4. The Choice To Resign

5. Seven Days And Bull Run

6. Gettysburg And Defeat

7. Appomattox And Legacy

2. Reconnaissance In Mexico

3. The Arlington Estate

4. The Choice To Resign

5. Seven Days And Bull Run

6. Gettysburg And Defeat

7. Appomattox And Legacy

Up Next

Continue Browsing

Common questions

Engineer On The Mississippi

Engineer On The Mississippi

Reconnaissance In Mexico

The Arlington Estate

The Choice To Resign

Seven Days And Bull Run

Gettysburg And Defeat

Appomattox And Legacy

Reconnaissance In Mexico

The Arlington Estate

The Choice To Resign

Seven Days And Bull Run

Gettysburg And Defeat

Appomattox And Legacy