Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, Lee's birthplace, is celebrating his birthday with special activities today. FILE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

After the Civil War, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee became president of Washington and Lee University in Lexington. FILE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Lee signed his Amnesty Oath on Oct. 2, 1865, but was not restored to full citizenship until 1975. FILE/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

On the occasion of Robert E. Lee's birthday 201 years ago today, here's a look back at the legendary Confederate commander. By Michael P. Musick

Date published: 1/19/2008

"SIR: I HAVE the honour to tender the resignation of my commission as Colonel of the 1st Regt. of Cavalry."

With these few words, penned at Arlington House on Feb. 20, 1861, to Abraham Lincoln's incoming Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Robert Edward Lee brought to an abrupt close his career in the United States army, and branded himself a traitor in the eyes of thousands in the republic he had served with distinction for well over three decades.

For thousands of others he had set himself upon the path to becoming a hero and a shining example of everything to which mankind can aspire.

More than two centuries after his birth, on Jan. 19, 1807, and nearly 143 years after he sheathed his sword at Appomattox, Lee remains a compelling figure, one whose life repays study by those who revile as well as those who revere the man.

And make no mistake, there are those in many places, including the Old Dominion, for whom his name is anathema. Yet even those from north of Mason and Dixon's line, including this writer, would do well to search out the lessons of Lee's life.

Looking for insights

Documentary evidence such as the letter to Cameron is one of the clues in gaining an understanding of Lee as a military leader and as a human being. One key site is the National Archives in Washington, home of the quoted resignation, as well as hundreds of other official papers that detail Lee's activities. It has been my privilege to shepherd scholars through these papers.

Among the gems the Archives contains are hand-drawn plans of fortifications by the young engineer, original battle reports and military correspondence of the general and his antagonists, and the oath of amnesty he signed in Lexington on Oct. 2, 1865, in an effort to regain the citizenship he forswore in 1861.

Official writings are only part of the picture. Lee also left behind numerous revealing personal letters to wife, family and others. These can be found at the Virginia Historical Society and other repositories.

Michael P. Musick served for 35 years as the Civil War authority at the National Archives in Washington, where he earned a reputation as the unmatched oracle on the surviving official documents of both armies--Union and Confederate. Musick studied in graduate school under the renowned Civil War scholar, Bell I. Wiley. A resident of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., he has written widely on Civil War topics, was a lead consultant for the PBS series on the war produced by Ken Burns, and is a past president of the Abraham Lincoln Institute. The best starting place is the single roll of National Archives microfilm publication M2063, "Selected Military Service Records Relating to Robert E. Lee." This roll reproduces: Letters Received by the Adjutant General's Office File L 60-1861, RG 94. The documents in this file begin with his application to West Point in 1824 and conclude with his resignation in 1861. Engineer Order No. 8, Aug. 11, 1829, RG 77 Compiled Military Service Record, Robert E. Lee, 1861-65, RG 109 Robert E. Lee's letters to Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant regarding terms of surrender, April 7-9, 1865, RG 94 Parole of Honor signed by Gen. Lee and members of his staff, April 9, 1865, RG 94 201 File for Robert E. Lee, Old Records Division, Adjutant General's Office, RG 407 This roll can be examined without charge in the microfilm reading room on the ground floor of the National Archives Building (Archives I) at Seventh Street and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. in Washington. One enters the building from Pennsylvania Avenue. The National Archives is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the Archives--Navy Memorial stop on the Metro. The roll can also be purchased for $65 in several ways: online, by going to the National Archives Online system at archives.gov; by telephone--credit card orders call toll-free 800/234-8861, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted; by fax--Fax your order to 301/837-3191; or mail checks or money orders to The National Archives Trust Fund, Box 100793, Atlanta, Ga., 30384-0793 (include daytime telephone number with order). Further research in Lee-related documents scattered throughout the holdings can be begun at the finding aids room of the Old Military and Civil Records in the National Archives Building at the address given above. Jill Abraham and her associates can refer researchers to appropriate staff and records. Information about hours and procedures should be available at the Web site of the National Archives and Records Administration at archives.gov. --Michael P. Musick

Date published: 1/19/2008