20 April 1861 A.D. COL Robert E. Lee Resigns from US Army after Lincoln’s Offer of Command of Union Army 2 Days Earlier
20 April 1861 A.D. COL Robert E. Lee Resigns from US Army after Lincoln’s Offer of Command of Union Army 2 Days Earlier 1861 – Colonel Robert E. Lee resigns from the United States army two days after he was offered command of the Union army and three days after his native state, Virginia, seceded from the Union. Lee opposed secession, but he was a loyal son of Virginia. His official resignation was only one sentence, but he wrote a longer explanation to his friend and mentor, General Winfield Scott, later that day. Lee had fought under Scott during the Mexican War, and he revealed to his former commander the depth of his struggle. Lee interviewed with Scott on April 18, and explained that he would have resigned then “but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted the best years of my life and all the ability I possess.” Lee expressed gratitude for the kindness shown him by all in the army during his 25-year service, but Lee was...