What was Robert E Lee's opinion on the war?

Robert E. Lee believed that the Civil War was a tragic necessity, driven by deep-seated regional and political differences. He viewed it as a conflict to defend the Southern way of life and states' rights, but he also expressed sorrow over the loss of life and destruction it caused. Lee often emphasized his loyalty to Virginia, considering his decision to fight for the Confederacy as a matter of personal honor rather than a belief in slavery. Ultimately, he hoped for reconciliation between the North and South after the war.