SCOTT—Then your sympathies are with the North?
LEE—Though opposed to secession and war, I can take no part in an invasion of the Southern States.
SCOTT—But surely you could not desert the United States army?
LEE—I deeply regret being obliged to separate myself from the service to which I have devoted the best years of my life and all the ability I possessed.
SCOTT—But I have been given to understand that in case you remained loyal, you would be given a very exalted command.
LEE—Yes, Blair has just been talking to me in regard to the matter, but no consideration on earth could induce me to act a part however gratifying to me, which could be construed into disregard of, or faithlessness to the Commonwealth. If I am compelled to resign I cannot consult my own feelings in the matter. Virginia is my country, her will I obey, however lamentable the fate to which it may subject me. If the Union is dissolved and the Government disrupted, I shall return to my native State and share the miseries of my people, and, save in her defence, will draw my sword no more.
SCENE II
Convention of Virginia, Richmond, April 23, 1861.
Characters
Robert E. Lee
Mr. Janney, President of the Convention
Convention members and citizens