On the eve of the Civil War, one soldier embodied the legacy of George Washington and the hopes of leaders across a divided land. Both North and South knew Robert E. Lee as the son of George Washington's most famous eulogist and the son-in-law of Washington's adopted child. Each side sought his service for high command. Lee could choose only one. Here, former White House speechwriter Jonathan Horn reveals how the officer most associated with Washington went to war against the Union that Washington had forged. This extensively researched and gracefully written biography follows Lee through married life, military glory, and misfortune. The story that emerges is more complicated, more tragic, and more illuminating than the familiar tale. As Washington was the man who would not be king, Lee was the man who would not be Washington. The choice was Lee's. The story is America's.--From publisher description.

Includes maps of: Potomac River; District of Columbia; Seven Days around Richmond; Sharpsburg; Chancellorsville; Gettysburg.

Introduction: the view -- Part I. Antebellum -- Foundering father -- A Potomac son -- Lee's union -- Part II. Casus belli -- Half slave, half free -- Washington's sword -- The decision -- Part III. Bellum -- The battle for Arlington -- The last heir -- White House burning -- Emancipation -- The indispensable man -- The cemetery -- Part IV. Postbellum -- Washington and Lee -- Epilogue: the bridge.