After the war he was broke and unemployed and waiting for a possible treason trial and hanging. The Yankees had taken his house (his wifes, but ya know...) and buried Union soldiers in their yard to [censored] him off (Arlington), so he had no home.
An insurance company offered him 100K to be head of the company, knowing his soldiers would buy his policies if he was the shill. He asked what he had to do for the 100K, which is millions now. They said "nothing, just let us use your name". He said "No thank you, I would not be earning my salary."
Can you see that today? Sumbitches would be think tank and lobbying like mofos....
Another story I like, his first visit back to Richmond on Sunday, he went to Church, heard the sermon, and at the end they called to go up for communion (Episcopal church I think) and first guy to go up was an African. Everybody froze, as it had not ever happened before. It was about to be violence in the sanctuary when one guy got up and knelt down next to the black dude. It was Bobby Lee. Everybody chilled for a second, and said, if Lee is fine with it, then so be it.
I mean, his whole life was a counter to that moment, and even though his friends were all dead, his country gone, his home gone, his son missing and in a POW camp, he could put it all aside and say I will worship next to this guy and let it all go.
Given the emotional context and the cultural context it is amazing, if it seems like no big deal, not even on the mental radar deal now.
