Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
Jonathan Horn has written a wonderful biography of Gen. Robert E. Lee. It is full of details of the connections with prominent families just before, during and after the Civil War. “The Man Who Would Not Be Washington” is a heavily researched book with the Custis-Lee family tree, notes on each and every chapter, an extensive bibliography and index.
The conflicted emotions of Gen. Lee and reactions and views of his wife were new to this reader and tend to add much color and detail to the text. Losing the grand home of Arlington, Va., to the Union clouds the Lees from the day they are forced to leave. The move greatly affects Mary Lee’s health.
Politics from Lee’s point of view and those of his relatives are discussed and reveal conflicting feelings on many of the pressing issues of the day. The tangled family relationships between the Lees and George Washington are brought to light with candor and expertise. References to the War, may different battles, deaths of various relatives and quoted remarks are interesting.
Biographies should always contain a few surprises, and Mr. Horn does not disappoint. We did not know Washington College became Lee’s project after the War, and the college president he did not demand strict military regimen, which surprised even some of his students.
Lee also displayed a sense of humor when he asked a little girl with the mumps if she thought his favorite horse would catch the disease.
We definitely liked this one and hope someday to reread it, renewing our knowledge of the Southern general.
The Cary Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
