Lincoln’s First Choice to Lead the Union Army

n April 17, 1861, following the fall of Ft. Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln asked his close personal friend, Francis Blair, to convey his offer to Colonel Robert E. Lee to command the Union Army.

Lee declined the offer, stating that, although he was opposed to secession and war, he could not take part in an invasion of the Southern States, uttering this poignant sentiment: “Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword.“

Lee resigned his commission in the U.S. Army on April 20, 1861, after Virginia officially voted to secede from the Union. Three days later, he assumed command of Virginia’s militia, ultimately leading the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

Join us in Appomattox September 1-4 for our Civil War Symposium to learn the true story of America’s most pivotal event.