Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) General Order No. 9
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00102 Author/Creator: Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) Place Written: Appomattox, Virginia Type: Manuscript document Date: 10 April 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 17 x 20 cm Order a Copy
A foot soldier's copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell orders to his troops the day after his surrender at Appomattox. Lee expresses his respect and admiration for his men, and his unwillingness to continue to sacrifice so many for a lost cause.
This foot soldier's personal copy was probably written by himself as part of the soldier's parole papers. On 7 April 1865, Ulysses S. Grant sent a message to Lee proposing the surrender of Lee's Army. Petersburg, Richmond, and almost every other major Southern city had fallen to the Union forces. Lee accepted Grant's terms at the Appomattox Courthouse on 9 April 1865.
Head Quarters A N Va
April 10, 1865
General Order No 9.
After four years of ardous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude the Army of Northern Va. has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources, I need not tell the brave survivors of so many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I consented to this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor & devotion could accomplish nothing that would compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, Officers & men can return to their homes and [2] 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 restore to you his blessing & protection with an unceasing admiration of your 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
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