Lee also believed in the education of the young folks. He helped save a financially troubled "Washington College" in Lexington, Virginia.

Returning home from a church meeting, Robert E. Lee sat at the supper table and was about to say grace. The general could not say a word and slumped down in his chair. It was believed that he had a stroke.

It has been written that Lee's grief for the Southern people, some of whom were made poor from the War Between the States, may have contributed to his failing health.

His condition seemed hopeless when a doctor told him, "General, you must make haste and get well---Traveller--- has been standing too long in his stable and needs exercise." Lee could only shake his head as he knew he would never again ride his beloved horse.

It is written that Robert E. Lee stayed in the same condition, until Wednesday; October 12, 1870, when, at nine-thirty in the morning, in the presence of his family, the general quietly passed away.

The church bells rang as the sad news passed through Washington College, Virginia Military Institute and the town of Lexington. School Cadet's carried the remains of the old soldier to Washington Chapel where he lay in state. Most buildings were covered in black for mourning.

Memorial meetings were also held throughout the South and as far North as New York. At Washington College in Lexington, eulogies were delivered by: Rev. Pemberton, Rev. W.S. White-- Stonewall Jackson's Pastor-- and Rev. J. William Jones. Jefferson Davis brought the eulogy in Richmond.

When all settled down, Mrs. Robert E. Lee said, "If he had succeeded in gaining by the sword all the South expected and hoped for, he could not have been more honored and lamented."

A funeral procession for Lee marched through the town of Lexington and an artillery salute was fired as his hearse was driven to the school's chapel.

After Lee's death Washington College became known as Washington and Lee College. The Trustees of the school also tendered Mrs. Lee a deed to the president's house and an annuity of $3,000.00 but she declined both.

The coming year 2007, is being called "The Year of Lee" as Lee's 200th birthday will be remembered on January 19, 2007.

What is your state, city, county or civic organization planning to commemorate this great American's birthday? This was an American who deserves to be remembered.

Robert E. Lee's last words were "Strike the Tent."

Lest We Forget!

General Robert E. Lee