A Plea for Robert E. Lee, 1868

We hope you enjoy this speech from Professor Roswell D. Hitchcock, delivered at the Cooper Institute in New York in February 1868.

The speech was part of a fundraising campaign initiated by Robert E. Lee and agents of Washington College (now "Washington and Lee University"). The speaker, though a staunch abolitionist and clergyman, lauds Lee for his efforts to rebuild the South and set aside Southern hostilities.

This speech was narrated by Ian Kach, a parent of the Class of 2025. Editing and videography was done by Kamron M. Spivey, '24. For a reproduction of this pamphlet, which includes several other letters and speeches, please visit our SWAG page.

Want to read similar speeches? Check out this Historical Highlight!

You may also read a TRANSCRIPTION of this speech by clicking HERE.