Even as Jefferson Davis was considering fleeing westward across the Mississippi River to the Confederate Department of the Trans-Mississippi in an attempt to continue the war, at least one significant Confederate counseled that the Civil War was essentially finished. On Thursday, April 20, 1865 Robert E. Lee from Richmond, Virginia wrote Davis, noting “I believe an army cannot be organized or supported in Virginia” or anywhere east of the Mississippi River. Lee also wrote that he opposed partisan warfare and recommended an immediate suspension of all hostilities and the restoration of peace. Lee’s words apparently fell on deaf ears because three days later Davis wrote his wife Varina, pledging his continuing love for her despite his commitment to cross the Mississippi and continue the Confederate war effort.
00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.