How Well Do You Know Robert E. Lee?

As part of a search for information on Robert E. Lee and Arlington House I came across teaching materials that I assume are to be used for home schooling purposes.  It includes a multiple choice test.  Let’s see how well you do and remember that some of the questions have more than one answer.  Good luck. Here is the link, which includes a “history” as well as the test.

1. _____ In Lee’s January 22, 1861 letter to his cousin, Martha Custis Williams, whom does he state can save us; and from what? (Circle one)
a. The Federal Government
b. The media; bad publicity
c. The Union; anarchy
d. God alone; folly, selfishness, short-sightedness and sin

2. _____ In his General Order; whom does Lee state is our only refuge and strength? (Circle one)
a. The Confederate Army
b. The cavalry
c. Stonewall Jackson
d. Almighty God

3. _____ According to Chaplain Jones of the Confederate Army, the result of this Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer was a work of grace among the troops, which widened and deepened, causing at least: (Consult your text and fill in the blanks)
a. 500 professions of faith in Christ as a personal Saviour
b. l,000 professions of faith in Christ as a personal Saviour
c. 5,000 professions of faith in Christ as a personal Saviour
d. 15,000 professions of faith in Christ as a personal Saviour

4. _____ What results does Chaplain Jones state “eternity alone shall reveal” in terms of Robert E. Lee’s actions during this Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer? (Circle one)
a. Lack of interest and participation
b. Absence
c. Quiet influence and fervent prayer
d. Resignation and “moment of silence”

5. _____ Colonel Johnston was an intimate friend of Lee, and a distinguished faculty member of his college. In his eyewitness account of the General’s dying moments reflect Lee’s true character traits in action. They are: (Circle all correct answers)
a. Impatience
b. Anger
c. Reticence
d. Hatred
e. Self-contained composure
f. Obedience to proper authority
g. Boastfulness
h. Magnanimity
i. Bitterness
j) Christian meekness

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24 comments… add one
  • Kevin Levin Sep 18, 2009 @ 2:25

    Michael,

    That one has come up a number of times on this blog. It’s a true classic.

  • Michael Dunn Sep 17, 2009 @ 16:18

    I’m surprised no one has quoted the old story about the little southern girl who asks, “Pastor, I can’t remember: is Robert E. Lee in the Old Testatment or the New Testament?”

  • Mike Sep 14, 2009 @ 6:49

    So Kevin how did I do???

    • Kevin Levin Sep 14, 2009 @ 7:06

      Click the link at the top of the post. Good luck.

  • Richard G. Williams, Jr. Sep 8, 2009 @ 17:59
  • Richard G. Williams, Jr. Sep 8, 2009 @ 13:03

    Jog on with great peace of mind knowing that I remain on guard, never resting, and vigilant in protecting your freedom to do so – and don’t forget to look both ways before crossing streets.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 8, 2009 @ 13:40

      Excellent advice. Actually, you deserve an action figure.

  • Richard G. Williams, Jr. Sep 8, 2009 @ 12:45

    No, no Michael, it is CWM that is the anti-blog for OVB. I was blogging before KL. ;o)

    Now, I must go do battle with the liberal/socialist/fascist menace. They’ve made great inroads in historiography.

    • Kevin Levin Sep 8, 2009 @ 12:53

      Good point, Richard. I stand corrected. Now get back to defending our freedoms while I take a jog. 🙂

  • Michael Lynch Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:48

    Sorry about that. Actually, although I’ve never met him in person, I think Mr. Williams is a fine and honorable man, and I’d agree with him about a great many things. Historical interpretation, however, isn’t one of them. I just think it’s interesting how OVB often seems to be a kind of anti-blog for CWM.

    –ML

    • Kevin Levin Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:51

      Michael L.

      I was kidding too. I’ve never met Richard, but he definitely seems like a decent fella.

      Mike,

      Thanks for taking the test. I think everyone else is scared that they may miss one or two. 🙂

  • Mike Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:28

    I’ll take a crack off the top of my head Kevin. Let me know how I do.

    1. D
    2. D
    3. C
    4. C
    5.E,F,&J

  • Michaela Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:19

    In standardized tests the recommendation is to choose your lucky letter and stick with it if you don’t know the answer. Thus you increase your chances to answer correctly. Consequently, the home schooled kid might as well choose “God” as that covers 80% of all answers. Hell, why studying at all if God can only increase your chances.

  • Kevin Levin Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:52

    Michael,

    Hey, you leave my friend Richard alone. He is busy protecting us from the liberal/socialist/fascist menace.

  • Michael Lynch Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:31

    Irate response from Richard Williams coming in three. . .two. . .one. . .

  • toby Sep 8, 2009 @ 10:08

    A lady from Atlanta, Georgia told me this story:

    A secretary entered her boss’ office on the 40th storey to find him on the window ledge about to throw himself off.

    “Don’t jump!” she cried “What about your family?”

    “My wife left me,” he said tearfully “And my kids hate my guts”

    “Well,” she said desperately “Don’t jump! Remember Robert E. Lee!”

    “Who’s Robert E. Lee?”

    “Jump, you Yankee sonofabitch!”

  • John Buchanan Sep 8, 2009 @ 9:08

    WWRELD?

    ROFLMAO!!

  • James F. Epperson Sep 8, 2009 @ 6:55

    The quiz reminded me of an old joke: Most Episcopalians pray to the Holy Trinity, but in Virginia it is the Holy Quartet: Father, Son, Holy Ghost, and RE Lee!

    (Lest anyone be offended, I was raised Episcopalian, and the joke was first told to me by a close friend who is Episcopalian.)

  • Larry Cebula Sep 7, 2009 @ 19:50

    WWRELD?

  • Charles.lovejoy Sep 7, 2009 @ 15:41

    Personally I have always thought that R E Lee and Groups like the UDC took the ‘Christian Persona’ way to far.

  • Paul Taylor Sep 7, 2009 @ 14:20

    Hmmm. I’m sensing the test attempts to draw solid lines that connect Robert E. Lee, Confederate Chieftan to Robert E. Lee, Christian Soldier. Therefore, dotted lines from Christianity to Confederate cause, thereby attempting to legitimize the latter. Could it be a from a 19th-century handbook, perhaps produced by the UDC? 🙂

    • Kevin Levin Sep 7, 2009 @ 14:27

      You are absolutely right that the questions point to a vindication of the Confederate cause as holy and Lee as the ideal Christian Soldier. As far as I can tell this is a very recent lesson.

  • James Bartek Sep 7, 2009 @ 13:07

    That’s good stuff. I recall that question 3, specifically, was on the SAT.

    To be clear, these haven’t actually been produced by the Arlington House staff?

    • Kevin Levin Sep 7, 2009 @ 13:12

      No. I will provide the link after those interested have taken the test. I don’t trust any of you. 🙂

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