Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Robert E. Lee
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02124 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter Date: on or after 9 April 1865 Pagination: 2 p. ; 29 x 23.5 cm Order a Copy
Contemporary military copy of Grant's surrender terms for General Lee, signed by the clerk and labeled a copy. Proposes the terms on which he will receive the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Directs Lee to create two rolls of all officers and men in the Confederate Army, one to be given to an officer Grant designates, and one to an officer Lee designates. Requests that all officers give their individual parole that they will not take up arms against the United States and orders that each company and regimental commander must sign the same oath for the men under them. Indicates that if this is done, the men will be allowed to return to their homes peacefully. With an order on the verso to allow all paroled Confederate soldiers to pass safely through Union lines. Written from the Headquarters of the Armies of the United States.
A. Copy
Head Quarters Armies U. S.
April 9th 1865
To Genl. R. E. Lee
Commanding C.S. Armies
Genl.
In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th inst. I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of No. Va. on the following terms to wit - Rolls of all the officers, and men to be made in duplicate - one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer, or officers as you may designate. The Officers give their individual parolls not to take up arms against the Govt. of United States, until properly exchanged, and each Company and Regimental Commander to sign a like paroll for [strike: their] the men of their commands. The arms, Artillery and public property to be stacked, parked, and turned over to the officers to be appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side arms of the officers or their private horses or baggage - This done each officer, and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by the U. S. Authorities, as long as they observe Their parolls, and laws in force where they may reside.
Very Respectfully
U. S. Grant Lt. Genl.
Commanding U.S. Armies
[2]
Special Order
No. ___
All officers and men of the Confederate Service paroled at Appomattox Co. Ho. Va. who to reach their homes are compelled to pass through the lines of the Union Armies, will be allowed to do so, and to pass free on all Government Transports, and Military Rail Roads.
By Command of
Lt. Genl. U.S. Grant
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