Why did Robert E. Lee decline the offer to be commander of the war?

Answer 1

The offer was made by General Winfield Scott, who had been Commanding General of the US Army since 1839. Lee had served with great distinction on Scott's staff during the Mexican War, and Scott well knew Lee's ability. Both Scott and Lee were from Virginia. In 1861 Scott was 75 years old and had been in the Army for 53 years (there was no system of retirement then). Scott also weighed over 400 pounds, and could not mount a horse, except by being hoisted into the saddle with a block and tackle. Scott was obviously unable to take command of the army in the field, so he turned to the best soldier in the army for the position. But the offer was made almost at the same time as Virginia was voting on secession. When Virginia voted to secede, Lee could not bring himself to make war on his home state. Scott reached a different conclusion and stayed with the "old flag". Despite the respect and affection Lee had for Scott, and despite Scott's telling Lee that he was making the biggest mistake of his life, Lee resigned from the army he had served in for 36 years, as a cadet and an officer, and offered his services to the state of Virginia. Soon the new Confederate national government made Lee an officer in their new army.

Answer 2

Because he reckoned he was a Virginian first and an American second.

So he decided it was his duty to go with his state, and join the Confederates.

Like many senior Virginians, he disapproved of secession. (Virginia was one of the last states to secede.) He even asked the Union General-in-Chief whether he could stay neutral - a suggestion that was dismissed with contempt.

But when Virginia voted Confederate. Lee made the fateful decision to resign from the US Army, and join the other side.

Many of us still wonder what would have happened if he had accepted the top job in command of the Union armies.

Answer 3

he could not go against his place of birth, Virginia

Answer 4

He could not fight against the people of his native state.

Answer 5

He could not bear to raise his hand against his native state of Virginia who had seceded from the Union. Called the "Decision he was born to make".