wasseldom around. Finally, in 1813 he moved to the West Indies. His self-exilebecame permanent, and he was never seen again by his family (Thomas). Young Robert had other family problems. His mother became very ill. At theage of twelve he had to shoulder the load of not only being the family'sprovider, but also his mother's nurse. When time came for Robert to attendcollege, it was obvious his mother could not support him financially. Shewas already supporting his older brother at Harvard and three otherchildren in school. In 1824 he accepted an appointment to the United StatesMilitary Academy. During his time at West Point Lee distinguished himselfas a soldier and a student. Lee graduated with honors in 1829 (Nash 245). His graduation was dampened by a call to the bedside of his ailing mother.When he arrived home he found his fifty-four year old mother close todeath. A death caused by struggles and illnesses of her difficult life.Robert was always close to his mother. He again attended to her needs untilher death. On July 10, 1829, Anne Lee died with Robert, her closest son, ather side. Forty years later Robert would stand in the same room and say,"It seems but yesterday" that his beloved mother died (Connelly 6). While awaiting his first assignment, Lee frequently visited Arlington, theestate of George Washington Parke Custis. Custis was the grandson of MarthaWashington and the adopted son of George Washington. After Martha's deathCustis left Mount Vernon and used his inheritance to build Arlington in1778. Arlington was set on a hill over looking the Potomac river andWashington D.C. (NPS Arlington House). Custis had only one daughter, MaryAnna Randolph. Mary had been pampered and petted throughout her life. Lee'sCourtship with Mary soon turned serious, before long they were thinking ofmarriage. However, before Robert could propose he was assigned to CockspurIsland, Georgia. Robert returned to Arlington in 1830. He and Mary decided t...
