Should Robert E. Lee have been tried for treason?

From a legalistic point of view, yes. From a realistic point of view, creating a martyr was not in the best interest of the US from the reconciliation point of view. read more

Robert E. Lee was a man of honor and fought for the Confederacy only because his state joined the Confederacy. Lee freed slaves that were willed to him. His wife later freed her slaves. read more

General Robert E. Lee was not charged with treason and he spent no time in jail. During the brief five years that he lived following the Civil War, Robert E. Lee became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee) in Virginia. read more