'Pray for Oblivion to His Memory': Frederick Douglass on the Legacy of Robert E. Lee | Codie Eash

When Robert E. Lee died in October 1870, the former Confederate commander rose to the status of an American deity, and in the 150 years since his death he has remained one of history's most celebrated soldiers. Despite such laudations, however, many of Lee's contemporaries felt his renowned status was undeserved—most notably, the formerly enslaved social activist, newsman, and army recruiter Frederick Douglass. At the end of the Civil War, and especially after Lee's demise, Douglass penned a series of articles that reflected negatively on the fallen Rebel general’s legacy and attempted to reconsider his proper place in studies of the past. Douglass’s criticisms of Lee’s morality and prowess provide valuable insight to an alternative view of an icon, and serve as a reminder that modern debates over collective memory of the conflict and its principal players are embedded in unfinished conversations among the wartime generation itself.

Codie Eash serves as Visitor Services Coordinator at Seminary Ridge Museum, Gettysburg, and is a 2014 graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a bachelor degree in communication/journalism and held a minor in history. He contributes to the blog "Pennsylvania in the Civil War"; serves as a co-host on "Battles and Banter," a military history podcast; and maintains the Facebook page "Codie Eash - Writer and Historian," which primarily focuses on the heritage and legacy of the Civil War era.

[wolfsoldier]

Robert E Lee was a great man that chose to fight for his country, people, family! He was an honorable man!

[rc]

Douglass had no problem having men like John Brown die for his cause while he lived in luxury soaking up abolitionists money. Lee made the hardest choice a man can make choosing to fight for your family and home or country. I'm not even a Confederate supporter but Fred wanting Lee's memory wiped away is just plain chicken.

[TM-vqbf]

Up with fred Douglass . Down with Bob Lee