Robert E Lee The Great Emancipator

[Rick Smith]

General Lee did own slaves for a period of time, but during that time he began educating his slaves so that when their freedom was secured, they would not be sent into the world without some means at least to help them move forward.

Lee's decision to educate his slaves made the emancipation process more lengthy and it was about four years later that Lee signed the last manumission papers in December of 1862.

When asked by Alexander Stephens what would happen to former slaves now set free into the world, Mr. Lincoln replied, "It is a case of root hog or die."