War Diaries (August 8) (nonfiction)
War Diary quotations for August 8
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Quotations
Robert E. Lee: August 8, 1863
The general remedy for the want of success in a military commander is his removal. This is natural, and in many instances proper. For, no matter what may be the ability of the officer, if he loses the confidence of his troops, disaster must sooner or later ensue.
I have been prompted by these reflections more than once, since my return from Pennsylvania, to propose to your Excellency the propriety of selecting another commander for this army. I have seen and heard of expressions of discontent in the public journals at the result of the expedition. I do not know how far this feeling extends in the army. My brother officers have been too kind to report it, and so far the troops have been too generous to exhibit it. It is fair, however, to suppose that it does exist, and success is so necessary to us that nothing should be risked to secure it. I therefore, in all sincerity, request your Excellency to take measures to supply my place. I do this with the more earnestness [395] because no one is more aware than myself of my inability for the duties of my position. I cannot even accomplish what I myself desire. How can I fulfil the expectations of others?
In addition, I sensibly feel the growing failure of my bodily strength.
- Robert E. Lee, letter to Confederate President Jefferson Davis
Reina Spiegel: August 8, 1940
Our visit to Daddy has been put off day after day. Now we don’t have much summer vacation left, but we’re still going.
What does it matter that they have torn lands apart, that they have divided brothers, sent children far away from their mothers? What does it matter that they say “This is mine” or “The border is here”? The clouds, the birds and the sun laugh at these borders, at human beings, at their guns. They go back and forth, smuggling rain, blades of grass, rays of sunshine. And no one even thinks of banning them. If they even tried, the sun would burst out with bright laughter and they’d have to close their eyes. The clouds, birds, and wind would follow. So would one small human soul, and plenty of my thoughts.
- Renia Spiegel began her diary in January 1939 at the age of 15.
George Beck: August 8, 1944
REPORTED SICK. Urine test, awaiting X-ray results. Must be something wrong to keep having attacks.
- Diary of George Beck], 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment, prisoner of war
In the News
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External links
- Excerpts from the Diaries of Renia Spiegel @ Smithsonian Magazine
- http://www.pegasusarchive.org/pow/george_beck1.htm
