By: HISTORY.com Editors

1863

Robert E. Lee offers resignation as commander of the Confederate army

Robert E. Lee
Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images
Published: November 13, 2009Last Updated: August 11, 2025

In the aftermath of his defeat at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Confederate General Robert E. Lee sends a letter of resignation as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia to Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

The letter came more than a month after Lee’s retreat from Pennsylvania. At first, many people in the South wondered if in fact Lee had lost the battle. Lee’s intent had been to drive the Union army from Virginia, which he did. The Army of the Potomac suffered over 23,000 casualties, and the Union army’s offensive capabilities were temporarily disabled. But the Army of Northern Virginia absorbed 28,000 casualties, nearly one-third of its total. As the weeks rolled by and the Union army reentered Virginia, it became clear that the Confederacy had suffered a serious defeat at Gettysburg. As the press began to openly speculate about Lee’s leadership, the great general reflected on the campaign at his headquarters in Orange Courthouse, Virginia.

Robert E. Lee

The general leads to Confederate forces in the Civil War, and in the process gains mythic status.

The modest Lee took the failure at Gettysburg very personally. In his letter to Davis, he wrote, “I have been prompted by these reflections more than once since my return from Pennsylvania to propose to Your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army… No one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire… I, therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measure to supply my place.”

Lee not only seriously questioned his ability to lead his army, he was also experiencing significant physical fatigue. He might also have sensed that Gettysburg was his last chance to win the war. Regardless, President Davis refused the request. He wrote, “To ask me to substitute you by someone… more fit to command, or who would possess more of the confidence of the army… is to demand an impossibility.”

An up-close look at the people, places and turning points of the American Civil War.

7-DAY FREE TRIAL

Commercial-free, Cancel anytime

Stream Now

Exclusions & terms apply

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on August 8th

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Related Articles

Abraham Lincoln facts

As Washington celebrated the expected end to the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln delivered what would be his last public address from a White House balcony.

Ulysses S. Grant, Military Leader of the Civil War

What he lacked in knowledge of military art and science, he made up for with tenacity and grit.

Stonewall Jackson during the Civil War, Battle of Antietam, 1862 Sharpsburg, Maryland

Antietam or Sharpsburg? Manassas or Bull Run? For many Americans, what you call a Civil War battle has nearly everything to do with where you or your Civil War-era ancestors grew up. Northern soldiers, far more likely to hail from cities or urbanized areas, are believed to have been impressed with the geography of the […]

30th August 1862: Union troops charging during the second battle of Bull Run, which took place at Manassas, Virginia. Original Artwork: Print by Currier & Ives. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)

The Confederacy won a complete—albeit quickly overshadowed—victory at Bull Run 150 years ago.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
Robert E. Lee offers resignation as commander of the Confederate army
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
October 02, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
August 11, 2025
Original Published Date
November 13, 2009

History Every Day

Sign Up for This Day in History

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us
Flower