Unknown [Appomattox ink well]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02084.02 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: s.l. Type: Object Date: 9 April 1865 Pagination: 1 bottle : ceramic ; 7 x 5.6 (diameter at base) cm. Order a Copy
Small, ceramic, bell-shaped, brown bottle, glazed, with cork. Label affixed to the bottom, inscribed by Hempstead Washburne: "This is the ink bottle used in signing the Treaty [underscored] at Appomattox by Gen. Lee & Gen. Grant. It was presented to E. B. Washburne by Gen. Grant & comes to me from my father E. B. Washburne. Hempstead Washburne [added in another hand:] 1938-126." This ink well was used by Ulysses S. Grant to sign the surrender treaty at Appomattox and was given to Elihu Washburne on 10 April 1865 along with the note announcing Robert E. Lee's surrender (GLC02084.01).
The ink bottle was in the parlor of the McLean house when General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox. See collateral file for full history and write up.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.