Early Army Career

After carrying out army engineering assignments at St. Louis, New York City, and elsewhere, Lee served in the Mexican War, 1846–48. He made a brilliant record for daring and ability, especially at Buena Vista, Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, and Churu-busco. General Winfield Scott referred to Lee as the “best American soldier” he had ever seen. Lee was promoted three times during the war, entering as a captain and rising to the temporary rank of colonel.

In 1852 Lee was named superintendent at West Point. Three years later he was made lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Cavalry and sent to the Texas frontier, where he fought Indians and Mexican bandits. In 1859, while on furlough at Arlington, Lee was ordered to command the marines who were sent to Harpers Ferry, Virginia, at the time of John Brown's raid. He captured Brown and his party.