On October 2, 1865 Robert E. Lee was inaugurated as president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia – and signed an amnesty oath pledging allegiance to the United States and all its laws, including those regarding the emancipation of slaves.
NY Times 10-17-1865
an example of submission to authority for his new students
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Mr. Lee’s amnesty oath can be found at the National Archives: the National Archives discovered the amnesty oath in 1970; General Lee was restored to full (U.S.) citizenship in 1975.
Here’s some sound from Mr. Lee, according to Recollections and Letters of General Robert E. Lee by Captain Robert E. Lee, His Son. The ex-rebel generalissimo wrote to his invalid wife on October 3, 1865:
The college opened yesterday, and a fine set of youths, about fifty, made their appearance in a body. It is supposed that many more will be coming during the month. The scarcity of money everywhere embarrasses all proceedings. … The ladies have furnished me a very nice room in the college for my office; new carpet from Baltimore, curtains, etc. They are always doing something kind. … The scenery is beautiful here, but I fear it will be locked up in winter by the time you come. Nothing could be more beautiful than the mountains now….
Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.
