"In this volume the attempt has been made to imperfectly supply the great desire to have something from Robert E. Lee's pen, by introducing, at the periods referred to, such extracts from his private letters as would be of great interest. He is thus made, for the first time, to give his impressions and opinions on most of the great events with which he was so closely connected"--Preface.

Series title also at head of t.p.

Ancestry -- Birth : career as Officer of Engineers, United States Army -- A Cavalry officer of the Army of the United States -- War -- Invasion of Virginia -- The campaign in West Virginia -- Atlantic coast defenses -- assigned to duty in Richmond as Commander in Chief under the direction of the Southern President -- Commands the army defending Richmond, and Seven Days Battles -- Second Battle of Manassas -- Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg -- Chancellorsville -- Gettysburg -- Campaign in Virginia, -- Bristol Station, Mine Run, Wilderness -- Siege of Petersburg -- Evacuation of Richmond and the Petersburg lines : retreat and surrender -- Return to Richmond, President of Washington College, Death and burial -- Military character.