A spectacular document of first-person history, this collection of correspondence written by Confederate general ROBERT E. LEE (1807-1870) offers an unparalleled look into the mind of one of the towering figures of American history. Compiled and introduced by Lee's son ROBERT EDWARD LEE (1843-1914) and first published in 1904, these missives follow Lee's life from his early service in the United States Army and years as superintendent at West Point through the Civil War to his final years and last thoughts on the war. From such intimate issues as Lee's missing the family pets while away at war and his desires to visit his daughter Annie's grave to such momentous matters as his perspective on great battles and his thoughts on the Reconstruction, this is a book for readers of history and personal biography to treasure.