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Lee was in San Antonio when Ft Sumter fell. He was summoned to Washington (DC) but resigned his commission instead. He would not fight against his state of Virginia.

I have been very curious on this particular point. I've read that he was in Texas when Sumter fell, but that he turned down the offer of the Army (in Washington DC) shortly thereafter.

How was he contacted in order to send him to Washington? It seems to me it would have taken a long time to get a message to him, and then it would have taken him some time to get to Washington.

When was he sent for?

I have been very curious on this particular point. I've read that he was in Texas when Sumter fell, but that he turned down the offer of the Army (in Washington DC) shortly thereafter.

How was he contacted in order to send him to Washington? It seems to me it would have taken a long time to get a message to him, and then it would have taken him some time to get to Washington.

Read Freeman's biography. Lee was ordered back to Washington on February 4th with orders to report to the general in chief no later than April 1st. He was back home by March 1st.

As for how he was contacted? By telegraph.