Gen. Robert E. Lee Orange, Va., Feb. 17, 1864 The Official 2002 Mort
Künstler Snow Print.
Those who personally knew General Robert E. Lee agreed that
faith was the foundation of his life. “In sunshine and in storm, in victory and
in defeat,” observed General John B. Gordon, “his heart turned to God.” A
challenging childhood, the discipline of military life, the burden of command,
the hardships of war — all were tools of grace that shaped and reflected the
faith and character of Robert E. Lee.
In February of 1864, while in winter camp near Orange, Virginia, Lee was visited by a delegation of army chaplains.
“I can never forget my first interview and conversation with General Lee on
religious matters,” recalled the Rev. J. William Jones, who was one of the
chaplains. “As we began to answer his questions about the spiritual interests of
the army, and to tell of that great revival which was then extending through the
camps…he expressed his delight and we forgot the great warrior, and only
remembered that we were communing with 'a humble, earnest Christian.'” As the
chaplains left Lee’s headquarters, one reminded the general that countless
soldiers and civilians prayed for him daily. “The old hero’s face flushed,”
Chaplain Jones recalled, “tears started in his eyes, and he replied, with choked
utterance and deep emotion: ‘Please thank them for that sir — I warmly
appreciate it. And I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting
in Christ alone for salvation.…”
For Lee, it was a typical statement that reflected his humility and his abiding personal faith. Said one who knew Lee the soldier: “He was a foe without hate, a friend without treachery, a soldier without cruelty, a victim without murmuring…and a man without guile.” The lasting legacy of Robert E. Lee would be measured for generations to come not by military genius alone, but also by the caliber of his character and the fruit of his faith.
1150 Limited Edition Signed and Numbered
Image Size: 19 1/2” x 26”