In Honor of Virginia Confederate Memorial Day...

[wildfire]

May 30th.

"Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less." --Robert E Lee

Here's the GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE CAKE

(This is a very old recipe.)
2 c. all purpose flour, sifted
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 2 tsp. baking powder
8 eggs
2 cups white sugar
1 lemon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 325„a.
Sift flour, salt, cream of tartar and baking powder together. Separate the whites and yolks of the first 8 eggs; beat the 8 yolks until very light. Add 2 cups of sugar a little at a time, continue beating until all sugar has been added and mixture is smooth and a pale yellow. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Fold into the flour mixture until well blended.
In a large glass mixing bowl, whip the 8 egg whites until stiff, and then gently fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter mixture; fold remaining whites in, in the same manner, until blended together.
Put batter evenly into two, lightly greased and floured, cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Let cake rest for about 15 minutes, remove from pans and continue to cool on wire racks.
Slice cake layers in half using either a long serrated knife or a long piece of sewing thread.
Lemon Jelly Filling and Lemon Orange Frosting:
6 egg yolks
1 egg yolk2 c sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
4 lemons
4 Tbsp. orange juice
2 c butter
1 2 Tbsp. zest of lemon
1/4 c butter
3 Tbsp. zest of an orange
6 c confectionery sugar

Filling Mixture: Mix 6 egg yolks with 2 cups of sugar with zest of two lemons, and the juice of 4 lemons. Cook in double boiler, stirring continuously, until sugar dissolves.
Add 2 cup butter; continue to cook for 20 minutes, stirring continuously.
Filling will be smooth and very thick.
Cool then spread between split layers of cooled cake.

Lemon-Orange Frosting: Beat 1/4 cup butter until it looks like thick cream and then stir in the 6 cups of confectioner¡¦s sugar a little at a time, do this until mixture is very smooth. Beat in 1 egg yolk and 2 Tbsp. lemon juice. Add enough orange juice to make frosting easy to spread; then add zest of 1 lemon, and zest of 2 oranges.
Spread on sides and top of cake.
This is well worth the trouble it takes to make.
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[Chrisnstar]

This cake recipe looks fabulous. I'm going to have to try it!

chris

[Coyote]

Cool picture. Lee AND Traveler:). Did you ever read the entry about Lee in the World Book Encyclopedia? Unless they've changed it in the last few years, it had a nice quote about him.

[wildfire]

but this is what his ex-slave said about him:

“I was raised by one of the greatest men in the world. There was never one born of a woman greater than Gen. Robert E. Lee, according to my judgment. All of his servants were set free ten years before the war, but all remained on the plantation until after the surrender.” -Rev. William Mack Lee; Lee’s ex-slave and body servant

What a person's slave thinks of them, I believe speaks volumes.

[noblesseoblige]

no butter? Would that not make it really sticky with all that sugar and whipped egg whites?

[Coyote]

You know that the school kids today, here anyway, are being taught that he was a terrible person . Oh well revisionist history thrives, but it's a shame really. I've often wanted to follow the legal research he did in determining that the South had a legal right to secceed.

Cool quote. I hadn't read that before. Thanks for posting.

[Littljoe]

I'm a Northerner of course, politically and in every other way, and 150 years ago Wildfire would have shot me without hesitation . But Robert E. Lee was a magnificent man--thoughtful, intelligent, kind and gentle in both victory and defeat--a true human being who always did what he thought was right. And we learned that in our northern schools, too. Fortunately I went to school before revisionism became popular.

In answer to n*o, the cake itself looks like a variation on angelfood, hence no fat. (Except for the 8 egg yolks.) But that filling!?! 2 cups of butter! I'm sure going to try it though; might as well die of a happy heart attack.

--LJ

[wildfire]

Getting me started on Robert E. Lee :
Robert E. Lee Quotes

Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, you should never wish to do less
I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.
Whiskey - I like it, I always did, and that is the reason I never use it.
My chief concern is to try to be an humble, earnest Christian.
Obedience to lawful authority is the foundation of manly character.
It is well that war is so terrible -- lest we should grow too fond of it.
[W]e made a great mistake in the beginning of our struggle, and I fear, in spite of all we can do, it will prove to be a fatal mistake. We appointed all our worst generals to command our armies, and all our best generals to edit the newspapers
[T]here is no more dangerous experiment than that of undertaking to be one thing before a man's face and another behind his back.
You must study to be frank with the world: frankness is the child of honesty and courage. Say just what you mean to do on every occasion, and take it for granted that you mean to do right.
With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the Army, and save in defense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never be called on to draw my sword...
A true man of honor feels humbled himself when he cannot help humbling others
My experience through life has convinced me that, while moderation and temperance in all things are commendable and beneficial, abstinence from spirituous liquors is the best safeguard of morals and health
The gentleman does not needlessly and unnecessarily remind an offender of a wrong he may have committed against him. He can not only forgive; he can forget; and he strives for that nobleness of self and mildness of character which imparts sufficient strength to let the past be put the past.
The education of a man is never completed until he dies.
We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.
What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.
You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, have anything you desire, accomplish anything you set out to accomplish - if you will hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one.
They do not know what they say. If it came to a conflict of arms, the war will last at least four years. Northern politicians will not appreciate the determination and pluck of the South, and Southern politicians do not appreciate the numbers, resources, and patient perseverance of the North. Both sides forget that we are all Americans. I foresee that our country will pass through a terrible ordeal, a necessary expiation, perhaps, for our national sins.
You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey
My trust is in the mercy and wisdom of a kind Providence, who ordereth all things for our good
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I thought this article might be of interest
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WHOSE BIRTHDAY WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING ON MONDAY?

Reflecting on Well Known Americans

By Dr. Jimmy T. LaBaume

Along about this time each January, I find myself reflecting upon the lives of two well-known Americans.

One had his name changed by his father but never bothered to make the change legal. ~~The other was a man of honor, proud of his name and heritage. In fact, when offered a princely sum of money for his name, he replied, "Sirs, my name is the heritage of my parents. It is all I have and it is not for sale."

One was a devout Christian and once wrote to his wife: "I trust that a merciful God, our only hope and refuge, will not desert us in this hour of need, and will deliver us by His almighty hand, that the whole world may recognize His power and all hearts be lifted up in adoration and praise of His unbounded loving kindness. We must, however, submit to His almighty will, whatever that may be." ~~ The other publicly proclaimed to be a Christian but said that the Bible was filled with "legends and myths."

One was a figure of dubious political, ethical, and moral character. So much so that, at the behest of his wife, a federal judge sealed his FBI files for fear of ruining his reputation. ~~ The other was a truly great American hero without a hint of a scandal that has been covered up, a shining example of the truth.

One sabotaged his country's war effort. ~~ The other declined command of an entire army in order to return to the defense of his homeland against enemy aggression. He said: "I will still follow my native state with my sword, and if need be with my life... These are my principles, and I must follow them." When he resigned his commission in the United States Army, he said: "I cannot take up arms against my own state. A union that can only be maintained by swords and bayonets... has no charm for me."

One was a womanizer and consorted with prostitutes. The last night he spent on earth was at a motel having sex with two prostitutes and physically beating a third. He had a habit of using his tax-exempt organization's money to hire prostitutes to keep him entertained during his tours. ~~ The other was a devout family man imbued with wisdom, high moral character, an unfailing sense of duty, true manhood and a heroic nobleness that inspired steadfast loyalty from those who knew him.

One was a true role model; the likes of which are rarely seen today. ~~ The other was also a role model; the likes of which are abundant today.

One was a plagiarist. It is a documented and verifiable fact that he plagiarized his way through Boston University and Crozer Theological Seminary. In addition to his Doctorial dissertation, his papers, speeches, and "sermons" were copied word for word from the works of others. ~~ The other was an honor graduate, 2nd in his class, at the US Military Academy, West Point, without a single demerit and later devoted his life to higher education.

One was an associate and recipient of financial resources from known communists. He was a dedicated Marxist and Communist and was intimately involved in several Communist front groups. He created an organization that was staffed and funded by Communist individuals and front groups. ~~ The other understood that anything granted by a government can be withdrawn by that same government, but anything given to us by our Creator cannot be taken by government because it precedes and supersedes governments, the exact opposite of Communist philosophy.

One publicly advocated non-violence but privately encouraged violent acts. Everywhere he went, violence erupted. Many of his "nonviolent" appearances were in reality carefully crafted public image appearances that were usually accompanied by violent acts of his followers. ~~ The other said that it was a good thing that war was so terrible; for fear that we might grow to like it.

One is a thoroughly despicable hypocrite, a violent and immoral degenerate, a worthless charlatan, and a Marxist, a plastic icon whose life our society has chosen to celebrate with a national holiday. ~~ The other has had textbook writers forced to reword their references to him and, in many cases, delete any mention of him at all. He has had cities remove his portrait and other memorabilia as a result of politicos who have not gone to the trouble to learn the facts about this most honorable of gentleman. He has had his portraits and plaques slashed and burned, and his statutes spray-painted with obscenities.

Robert Edward Lee was born in Westmorland City, VA on January 19, 1807.
Happy Birthday, General!

Copyright ©2004, FlyoverPress.com

[Coyote]

Oh my, my, my....you do read interesting stuff:).

It's always Robert E. Lee Day to me as it was Robert E. Lee Day first.

This is the description of Lee in the World Book Encyclopedia - at least until it is changed:)...

"I have met many of the great men of my time, but Lee alone impressed me with the feeling that I was in the presence of a man who was cast in a grander mold and made of different and finer metal than all other men. He is stamped upon my memory as a being apart and superior to all others in every way - a man with whom none I ever knew, and very few of whom I have read, were worthy to be classed." Viscount Garnet Wolseley

He wasn't taken out of an insane asylum to commit heinous war crimes either - I guess I'll stop now;)

[Littljoe]

Wildfire quoted Lee:

"We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing. "

This reminds me of the flip side of this quote--I saw it first in Isak Dineson, but no doubt others have said it too: "When God wishes to punish us, he gives us what we want."

I would hope, however, that we could praise one man without tearing down others.

--LJ

[wildfire]

from a "racist" like me?

What I feel, is that when you sing the praises of a person in a group- and that person is un-praiseworthy- you are announcing that that is the best the group has to offer.
Thus the group is “Lesser” or inferior.
To ME, this is WRONG!

“If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today.” —Thomas Sowell

[Littljoe]

Wildfire said:

from a "racist" like me?

What I feel, is that when you sing the praises of a person in a group- and that person is un-praiseworthy- you are announcing that that is the best the group has to offer.
Thus the group is “Lesser” or inferior.
To ME, this is WRONG!

“If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today.” —Thomas Sowell

Hmmm...I don't remember ever calling you a racist--and if I did, I most certainly should not have. If anything, I'm very pleased at how people of different views can get along in the here and now, when a century ago that might not have been the case. I mean that in a GOOD way!!

And my comments were directed solely at comparisons between individuals--I didn't think that groups had anything to do with it. The comparison was between Lee and "someone else," not between two groups, or between those two people as representing the "best" of their groups; my thought was simply that it should be possible to praise Lee without bringing someone else down at the same time. Race or racism certainly didn't enter into anything I said, or even into my mind.

--LJ

[wildfire]

I have been called "racist" by others because I have always believed:
“Everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards”

GLHR!

[Coyote]

Littlljoe, I appreciate your points of view. However, I was somewhat troubled by your statement "I would hope, however, that we could praise one man without tearing down others". I wasn't initially sure why that troubled me so. But now I know:) Aren't you glad?
I spend most of my listening time listening to people with views that are opposite to mine. Many of the arguments and positions (on both sides) are lame and not well thought out. When I come across a thought provoking argument, I appreciate it whether it supports my position or opposes it. In fact I find a well-articulated position that is contrary to my own especially interesting. To me there was nothing wrong with the article that Wildfire posted because it was well thought out and it was not without foundation. It was interesting to me to hear that point of view. In fact it is quite a revealing article, whether or not one agrees with its conclusions. Ultimately it leads the reader to the question, "Why *was* the day to celebrate MLK day established on the exact that had historically been celebrated as Robert E. Lee Day in many parts of the South?" It's a question worth asking, I think. That's the point that the article made to me more clearly than it's ever been.
To me the article was an opportunity to hear a rather unique point of view - nothing more. So, I certainly don't think that Wildfire is racist for posting it (not that you said that, though in conversations that is usually the next statement:)). I also don't think "All Southerners are racist." as is taught in public schools where I live. And, I do empathized with Wildfire's sensitivity to that particular issue:).

[Littljoe]

Coyote said:

Littlljoe, I appreciate your points of view. However, I was somewhat troubled by your statement "I would hope, however, that we could praise one man without tearing down others". I wasn't initially sure why that troubled me so. But now I know:) Aren't you glad?
I spend most of my listening time listening to people with views that are opposite to mine. Many of the arguments and positions (on both sides) are lame and not well thought out. When I come across a thought provoking argument, I appreciate it whether it supports my position or opposes it. In fact I find a well-articulated position that is contrary to my own especially interesting. To me there was nothing wrong with the article that Wildfire posted because it was well thought out and it was not without foundation. It was interesting to me to hear that point of view. In fact it is quite a revealing article, whether or not one agrees with its conclusions. Ultimately it leads the reader to the question, "Why *was* the day to celebrate MLK day established on the exact that had historically been celebrated as Robert E. Lee Day in many parts of the South?" It's a question worth asking, I think. That's the point that the article made to me more clearly than it's ever been.
To me the article was an opportunity to hear a rather unique point of view - nothing more. So, I certainly don't think that Wildfire is racist for posting it (not that you said that, though in conversations that is usually the next statement:)). I also don't think "All Southerners are racist." as is taught in public schools where I live. And, I do empathized with Wildfire's sensitivity to that particular issue:).

Hmmm, very thought-provoking. Being totally innocent of this controversy, I had no idea I was stirring up such strong feelings when I just praised General Lee. Now that I see the issues involved, I can understand the responses. But still...

In the interest of provoking further thought, there are a few questions I would like to ask, first emphasizing as strongly as I can that I am NOT trying to maneuver anyone into a corner, or supporting an agenda, or waiting to pounce with some odious label. I really do simply want to know, and think this might make an interesting discussion. I'm interested in answers from anyone here who has an opinion.

1) Do you think the resentment about the pre-emption of Lee's day would have been as strong if MLK had been a moral examplar beyond criticism? If people had been able to say, "Yes, Dr. King was a great man, but that's still Lee's day, darn it!" Or is it mainly MLK's lack of moral rectitude that causes the resentment?

2) When MLK Day was established, how strong were the protests based on the fact that this was already Lee's day? Was there a lot of public outcry in the South? Did people try to get the date changed?

3) And since others (not me!) brought up the race issue, let's not shy away from the big one: would the resentment today be as strong if a popular white evangelist, who had made a name for himself supporting social reform, had been killed and had Lee's birthday proclaimed "his"? Billy Graham Day, for example (long life to him, of course--just an example!)--would that have been hard to accept? Once again, I would never accuse someone of being racist because of their answer to this question. I really am curious.

4) Is there an implication that the Federal government intentionally chose this day, or took advantage of it, because it gave them a chance to devalue a popular Confederate figure? Or is it just an unfortunate coincidence that the Feds should have had enough sense to avoid?

5) Is it important to place a person's accomplishments in the context of some group or other, like race? If we praise someone, or give them a particular honor, are we implying that they represent the best of that particular group (like saying, "Robert E. Lee was the greatest [Southerner/general/white man/Christian/whatever] who ever lived"), or are we--ideally, at least--honoring them for human qualities that rise above categorization (like simply saying, "Robert E. Lee was a great human being")? (I realize, of course, that "human being" is still a group, but I think the intent of the question is clear. )

Posted with some trepidation, and a lot of hope for mutual understanding...

--LJ