Lincoln asked Robert to switch to the north side

This important because this was a big milestone for Robert. The civil war had then begun and Lincoln had heard about Robert and his good work once before. Once the civil war had begun Lincoln had asked Robert to command the northern army. Even though it was the president himself asking Robert did not accept the offer because he didn't want to betray Virginia. I'm sure it was a difficult decision senses it was the president he was talking to.