[Non-Sequitur]

Robert E. Lee was always opposed to slavery and freed his slaves long before the war.

Lee had no real problems with slavery and didn't free his slaves until December 1862. Let's not make the man out to be something he isn't; he's a human, not a deity. Lee was faced with a difficult decision. Lee took the only course he felt his honor allowed him. While I may not agree with it, and while by a strict interpretation of the Constitution his actions may have constituted treason, I am certainly not going to condemn him for it. The average man, upon reaching the crossroads in life, often does not take the right path if he feels it's too hard. Lee took that path regardless of the consequences because he felt it was the only thing his integrity allowed. I respect him for that, and recognize that he paid a tremendous price for his decision.

[rlmorel]

Interesting...I wrote my post at #47 before I saw yours.

I agree. He WAS a human.

[carton253]

The slaves that were freed in December 1862 were not Lee's slaves. They were the slaves that were included his father-in-law's estate. Lee was the executor of the will. In Parke's will, the Arlington estate passed directly to Custis, the White House to Rooney, and Romancock to Rob, Jr.

Lee did own slaves. That is evident by the will he executed before going to the Mexican War. When they were freed is unknown.