LOREN: Many people are not aware that Robert E. Lee, having the reputation of being one of the finest Generals in American history, was Lincoln's first choice to lead the Union Army in the Civil War. Both men were deeply inspired by George Washington and  passionately devoted to keeping the Union together. But in the end, despite the fact some of his close family members and friends were staunch supporters of the North, Lee made his heartwrenching decision in his realization he could  not turn against his deep roots of the South and his home state of Virginia. Although they fought on opposite sides, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E Lee shared a deep affinity for the love of America. Lincoln believing in forgiveness, unity and wanting peace in the country, granted amnesty to Lee and his men after their surrender.