I agree with Brenda and Stephanie that Lee is honorable for the dedication he has to his state.
Smith, the author is also right with his thought of Lee being not only a Confederate hero, but also an American hero. Like Washington, he was a Virginian and both had"love for their land". Serving for the Union for 36 years, made Lee's decision to leave the Union hard, however "he loved his country, he simply believed first in Virginia". Accepting to lead the military for the Confederate states made Lee just like Washington. Both had the same idea to fight for a "new republic", which made him believe that the Civil War was the second American Revolution. His characteristics made confederate citizens feel safe and comfortable with him leading, much like Washington which resulted in their armies consisting mostly of "courageous peasants". Both great leaders shared a personality that resulted in them having many supporters. Lee, with an exception of two battles in other states, only fought in "his soil of the state that he risked everything to defend". This resulted in 60% of the fight being fought in Virginia proving that Lee had a motive to fight. He had to be dedicated, not only to the state the nations founding father was from, but also the state his family was from. Lee, following his father's idea that Washington was the "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen", made his personality become just like Washington. Although loosing the war, Lee is a hero to his state and to the idea of leading his countrymen against their enemies.