Lee's Farewell to His Troops

On April 10, 1865, one day after the surrender at Appomattox Court House, Lee addressed his troops for the last time. It was a bitter-sweet moment. The long, tragic war had finally ended, and most of the men were more than ready to go home; but the returning soldier, their homes, and the nation would never be quite the same.

When Lee took his troops to Appomattox Court House, he had not planned to surrender. He went to replenish supplies with the ones awaiting there. However, when the Confederate soldiers got there, they found themselves surrounded by Union troops. After the ensuing battle, Lee saw that continuing to fight would be useless, and therefore surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia at McLean House. As a gesture of respect, Lee was allowed to keep his sword and his horse, Traveller.  Following Lee's surrender, Confederate troops in other locations followed suit. 

The order Lee signed read:

Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865
General Order
No. 9

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them.

But feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I have determined to avoid useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of you constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

                                                               - R. E. Lee, General, General Order No, 9

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