Daily Quiz for November 7, 2008

Robert E. Lee. General Winfield Scott called Robert E. Lee “the very best soldier I ever saw in the field” and suggested the U.S. government, in the event of war, insure his life for $5 million. Lee served on Scott’s staff in the Mexican War and inspired Scott’s praise with his reconnaissance skills and good judgment, which contributed significantly to his Mexican victories. In 1861 Scott offered Lee command of the Union army, but Lee declined, deciding to support the Confederacy.