Robert E. Lee

“The Man Who Would Not Be Washington: Robert E. Lee’s Civil War and His Decision That Changed American History” by Jonathan Horn offers a unique perspective on the life and decisions of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The book explores the complex and often romanticized figure of Lee, drawing parallels between him and George Washington. Lee, frequently compared to Washington for his personality and military prowess, was also closely linked through family ties, as he married Washington’s granddaughter and his father had a significant relationship with Washington.

The crux of Horn’s narrative centers around Lee’s fateful decision to reject the Union and follow Virginia into the Confederacy, despite his personal opposition to secession. This decision was a turning point, not only in Lee’s life but also in American history, making the comparisons to Washington highly controversial.

Horn, a former White House speechwriter, delves into Lee’s personal life and his military career, offering detailed yet accessible descriptions of Civil War battles. The book also highlights the reverence for Washington during this period and how both sides of the conflict claimed him as their own. While Horn’s portrayal of Lee is fair and equitable, he ultimately criticizes Lee for not adhering to his initial opposition to rebellion, thus “not being Washington.”

The narrative also covers Lee’s antebellum loyalty to the Union, influenced by his father’s Revolutionary War service and connections with Washington. The story of Lee’s inheritance of the Arlington estate, which would later become a national cemetery, is portrayed as a significant element of his personal tragedy. Lee’s struggle with the estate, populated by slaves he could not free according to his father-in-law’s wishes, and his eventual loss of Arlington post-Civil War, add a poignant layer to his life story.

This book offers a nuanced examination of Lee as a man torn between his loyalty to his home state and his duty to the Union, set against the backdrop of his connections to the legacy of George Washington.