When it became clear that war between the states was unavoidable, Lee had a decision to make. Call of Duty presents much information on the War Between the States, battle by battle, illustrating Lee's character poured out in that most trying time. 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.
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. We'll call her Miss Liberty, and call him Mr. Liberal. Miss Liberty is an avowed rugged individualist.