“They do not know what they say. If it comes to a conflict of arms, the war will last at least four years. Northern politicians will not appreciate the determination and pluck of the South, and Southern politicians do not appreciate the numbers, resources, and patient perseverance of the North. Both sides forget that we are all Americans, and that it must a terrible struggle if it comes to war.”
– Robert E. Lee –
— Happy 205th Birthday! —
Source: Jones, John William, ed. Personal reminiscences, anecdotes, and letters of Gen. Robert E. Lee. New York: D. Appleton, 1875.
Image Credit: Library of Congress.
