Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr.

Last week, I had the privilege of spending some time with the Dean of American Civil War historians, Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. Dr. Robertson and I were both interviewed for an upcoming (some time in late June) news segment on a cable news program. Dr. Robertson is the consummate scholarly gentleman and his depth of knowledge and grasp of Civil War history is nothing less than amazing. Ever pursuing his passion, after the interview he was off for a 2-week lecture series aboard a riverboat cruise.

In listening to Dr. Robertson discuss his views on both Lee & Jackson, I found the following quote very interesting:

"Robert E. Lee never existed [in the minds of some] because we don't have a Robert E. Lee today." ~ James I. Robertson, Jr.

He was, of course, referring to Lee's commitment to principle, Lee's sense of duty, and his self-denial. It is a sentiment I have often expressed and one with which many who have studied Lee would have to agree. It is also a sentiment similar to what Robert Krick has mentioned in some recent lectures.