The attempt was in vain.  Lee’s attachment to the flag he had so long fought under, and his personal affection for General Scott, were great, but his attachment to his native State was still more powerful.  By birth a Virginian, he declared that he owed his first duty to her and his own people.  If she summoned him, he must obey the summons.  As long as she remained in the Union he might remain in the United States Army.  When she seceded from the Union, and took part with the Gulf States, he must follow her fortunes, and do his part in defending her.  The struggle had been bitter, but brief.  “My husband has wept tears of blood,” Mrs. Lee wrote to a friend, “over this terrible war; but he must, as a man and a Virginian, share the destiny of his State, which has solemnly pronounced for independence.”

The secession of Virginia, by a vote of the convention assembled at Richmond, decided Lee in his course.  He no longer hesitated.  To General Scott’s urgent appeals not to send in his resignation, he replied:  “I am compelled to.  I cannot consult my own feelings in this matter.”  He accordingly wrote to General Scott from Arlington, on the 20th of April, enclosing his resignation.  The letter was in the following words: 

GENERAL:  Since my interview with you, on the 18th instant, I have felt that I ought not longer to retain my commission in the army.  I therefore tender my resignation, which I request you will recommend for acceptance.  It would have been presented at once but for the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a service to which I have devoted all the best years of my life, and all the ability I possessed.

During the whole of that time—­more than a quarter of a century—­I have experienced nothing but kindness from my superiors, and the most cordial friendship from my comrades.  To no one, general, have I been as much indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and consideration, and it has always been my ardent desire to merit your approbation.  I shall carry to the grave the most grateful recollections of your kind consideration, and your name and fame will always be dear to me.

Save in defence of my native State, I never desire again to draw my sword.  Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for the continuance of your happiness and prosperity, and believe me, most truly yours,

    R.E.  LEE.  LIEUTENANT-GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT, Commanding United
    States Army.

In this letter, full of dignity and grave courtesy, Lee vainly attempts to hide the acute pain he felt at parting from his friend and abandoning the old service.  Another letter, written on the same day, expresses the same sentiment of painful regret: 

    ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, April 20,1861.