What were some events going on in general Robert E Lee's life?

Lee was an exemplary cadet at the US Military Academy, served as it Superintendent and as a Cavalry Officer in West Texas. He was offered the Command of all Union Forces at the opening of the Civil War but resigned to serve Virginia. He saw an won numerous battles, lost at the great battle at Gettysburg and surrendered his army at Appomattox. He became the President of Washington College and died on 12 October 1870. He had several children with Mary Anna Lee.