Did Confederate General Robert E. Lee Hates Black People? How Did He Treat Them?
There is no concrete evidence to suggest that Confederate General Robert E. Lee had any animosity toward black people. While it is true he owned slaves for a time, this was due to his wife’s family rather than his own actions. In his will, Lee made arrangements to free the slaves he owned through his wife and ensured they would receive an education to improve their lives.
Slavery and Its Evolution
Slavery, as an economic institution, was gradually weakening by the 1820s due to the Industrial Revolution. The British reform bill of 1832 officially abolished slavery, and many in the Confederate states, including Jefferson Davis, publicly supported similar solutions.
The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1861 Emancipation of the Russian Serfs indicate that the economic underpinnings of slavery were dissolving. Historically, many Virginians who owned land in Ohio would manumit their slaves and send them to a free state upon their death.
Lee's Dilemma and Public Perception
The question of whether Lee had a monolithic distaste for blacks in the antebellum South is flawed. Lee's actions and statements reveal a complex and nuanced attitude. For example, after the surrender to the Union, Lee personally came forward to receive the communion from a black man. This act stood in stark contrast to the behavior of the congregation, highlighting his potential acceptance and treatment of African Americans.
Lee's Ambiguous Stance on Slavery
Lee's statements on prisoner exchanges reveal his divided stance. On one hand, he expressed willingness to exchange people of any color. On the other hand, he refused to return escaped slaves to the Union army, treating them as property belonging to an individual. This shows that while Lee was not a total racist, he was very much out of touch with the reality of the changing times.
A poignant example of Lee's apparent acceptance is the moment at St. Paul's Episcopal Church where, during communion, he displayed genuine respect for a black man before the rest of the congregation.
Sources and Research
The evidence comes from detailed records and contemporary accounts. Lee's relationship with his slaves and his actions post-war provide insight into his private thoughts and public stance on racial issues. These historical records and primary sources give us a more nuanced understanding of Lee's character and his position on slavery.
Further research into Lee's correspondence, diaries, and other documents can shed more light on his personal views and actions regarding African Americans. This information is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of Confederate leaders.