1638 R. E. Lee A Biography Volume I, by Douglas Southall Freeman (read 6 June 1981) I have just read The Killer Angels and so decided I should read more on the Civil War. This is solid biography and I like its thoroughness. This first volume takes Lee up to March 1, 1862, when Lee was given command of the Army of Northern Virginia. His pre-war career was rather humdrum, except for the Mexican War and his time as Superintendent at West Point. Of course, I am out of sympathy with Lee, so the next volume will be hard to take--but I know Appomattox lies ahead. Lee's father was Light Horse Harry Lee, who served in the Revolution. The country was really young. ( )