He had to remain constant when the North had blockaded or destroyed the South s food supplies, when his men had no shoes, when battles were uneven, and lost, and he saw his beloved men die around him. His men revered him. Knowing this, he once commented that when he was feeling discouraged and fatigued, he was careful not to reveal this in his facial expression, lest his men despair. The core of his character was his faith in the sovereignty of God. Without that anchor, it would have been impossible for him to have demonstrated godly character unfalteringly.
Anecdotal evidence shows remarkable character.
During the battle at Petersburg, he and the officers were given turkeys for Christmas eating. Lee gently refused his, asking that his portion be sent to the underfed soldiers in the hospital. The other officers were shamed into following his example. In addition, his home, Arlington, was confiscated by the Union troops. It was later turned into the now-famous Arlington National Cemetery.