This Mighty Scourge

144 years ago today, April 9, 1865, CS General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant.  Lee had faced off against Grant, and US Major General George G. Meade, since May 4, 1864 when Grant pushed Meade’s Army of the Potomac across the Rapidan River, at Germanna Ford, and Ely’s Ford.  This initiated the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5–6.  After the Wilderness, Grant would continue to push south, attempting to turn Lee’s right flank.  For nearly six weeks this tactic was used, with much bloodshed, in an attempt to get past Lee, and into Richmond.  In what has since been called Grant’s Overland Campaign, battles raged over these 5 1/2 weeks at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, North Anna and Cold Harbor.(i)  In the course of these battles, nearly 90,000 combined casualties would be suffered by both armies.  Mary Lincoln would call Grant a “Butcher.”  In his seminal book, “A Victor, Not a Butcher: Ulysses S. Grant’s Military Genius,” Edward H. Bonekemper III puts forth a convincing argument that Grant was not a butcher, comparing his losses throughout the Civil War, to Robert E. Lee’s losses.  Based on percentage loss, Grant would prove to have used his forces more conservatively than Robert E. Lee.(ii)

From Cold Harbor, Grant would maneuver his entire army, 100,000+ strong, over the Chickahominy River, and the James River, hoping to steal a move on Robert E. Lee, arriving below Richmond, at Petersburg, cutting Lee’s supply lines.  Unfortunately, due to concern over the Confederate strength at the Petersburg, US major generals William F. Smith, and Winfield S. Hancock, did not press their advantage.  They were unaware that only a small garrison was there, commanded by CS General P.G.T. Beauregard.  Beauregard’s superb actions at Petersburg would cause the war to continue another ten months.  Grant would commence siege operations against Petersburg, and Richmond, with several notable battles (Jerusalem Plank Road, Ream’s Station, Deep Bottom, Crater and Fort Stedman), until he was able to break the Confederate lines, by continually lengthening his own.  On April 1, 1865, Grant succeeded in getting below Petersburg and won a decisive battle at Five Forks. 

Then commenced Lee’s fighting retreat that concluded in Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  With the retreat of the Army of Northern Virginia, starting on April 2, Grant was able to invest Petersburg, and Richmond the same day.  On April 3, Lee reached Amelia Court House, with a significant cavalry battle occurring on the same day at Namozine Church.(iii)  Lee, retreating along a line, first south of the Appomattox River, then north of the river, and again south of the river would face significant forces from below (Union Cavalry and infantry) and behind (Union infantry).  Significant engagements would occur at Amelia Court House, Jetersville, Sailor’s Creek (the largest battle), Farmville and finally Appomattox Station.  With a final skirmish on April 9 at Appomattox Court House.  Starting on April 7, Grant would begin a revealing course of communications with Robert E. Lee.

Headquarters Armies of the U.S.,
5 P.M., April 7, 1865

General R.E. Lee,
      Commanding C.S.A.
The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle.  I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
                            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
                                                 U.S. Grant,
                                                        Lieut.-General. (iv)

Upon receiving Grant’s letter, Robert E. Lee handed it to his most trusted subordinate, CS Lieutenant General James Longstreet, who simply stated, “Not yet.”(v)  Lee would write his reply the same evening, by candlelight.

April 7, 1865

General: – I have received your note of this day.  Though not entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.
                                                       R.E. Lee,
                                                            General.

Lieut.-General U.S. Grant,
              Commanding Armies of the U.S. (vi)

With the Confederate army continuing their retreat, the Federals kept pursuing.  It was a melancholy retreat for the Confederates, with their ranks decimated, and significant casualties suffered the day before at Sailor’s Creek, including the capture of CS Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell.  Longstreet described the overnight retreat of April 7–8, “Broken down caissons and wagons abandoned and sometimes not even pulled out of the road before they were fired…. One of my battery commanders reported his horses too weak to haul his guns.  He was ordered to bury his guns and cover their burial-place with old leaves and brushwood.”(vii)

U.S. Grant, unsatisfied with Lee’s letter, of April 7, penned a follow up letter.

April 8, 1865

General R.E. Lee,
       Commanding C.S.A.
Your note of last evening in reply to mine of the same date, asking the condition on which I will accept the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia is just received.  In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, namely: that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms again against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged.  I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any officers you may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia will be received.

                                             U.S. Grant,
                                                 Lieut.-General. (viii)

With Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia on the move, Grant would send his cavalry, under the command of US Major General Philip Sheridan, to Appomattox Station.  There, on the evening of April 8, they captured trains loaded with supplies for Lee’s Army.  On the morning of April 9 the head of the Army of Northern Virginia arrived, to find their supplies had been captured.  A sharp engagement took place, with the Confederates able to burn one train – without getting any supplies for their weary army.  The second train was sent back to Farmville, with no supplies from it reaching Lee’s army.  His condition was desperate.  Overnight, Grant would receive a reply from his earlier letter to R.E. Lee.

April 8, 1865

General: – I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day.  In mine of yesterday I did not intend to propose the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition.  To be frank, I do not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army; but as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired to know whether your proposals would lead to that end.  I cannot, therefore, meet you with a view to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia; but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate States forces under my command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet you at ten A.M. tomorrow on the old stage-road to Richmond, between the picket-lines of the two armies.
                                                    R.E. Lee,
                                                         General

Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant (ix)

After writing this letter, Lee brought his most trusted lieutenants together for a council of war.  CS Lieutenant John B. Gordon later recalled their meeting, “It met in the woods at his headquarters, and by a low burning bivouac fire.  There was no tent there, no table, no chairs, and no camp-stools.  On blankets spread upon the ground or on saddles at the roots of trees, we sat around the great commander.”  Gordon continued, “We knew by our own aching hearts that his was breaking.  Yet he commanded himself, and stood calmly facing and discussing the long-dreaded inevitable.”(x)  The council ended when it was determined the army would make one last try to break through Grant’s lines.  Grant, receiving Lee’s latest letter, wisely did not take the initial offer. Knowing Lincoln reserved the negotiations of peace, for himself, he replied the next morning.

Headquarters Armies of the U.S.,
April 9, 1865

General R.E. Lee,
        Commanding C.S.A.
Your note of yesterday is received.  As I have no authority to treat on the subject of peace, the meeting proposed for ten A.M. to-day could lead to no good.  I will state, however, General, that I am equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the same feeling.  The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood.  By the South laying down their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of property not yet destroyed.  Sincerely hoping that all our difficulties may be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, etc.,
                                            U.S. Grant,
                                                   Lieutenant-General (xi)

On the morning of April 9 Gordon would have his men in line, to oppose the Federal troops massing to the south.  A brigade under the command of CS Brigadier General Bryan Grimes charged the Union lines, capturing two cannon and several prisoners.  In interrogating the prisoners they learned that they were facing US Major General E.O.C. Ord’s entire Army of the James – approximately 10,000 veterans – on their left.  Watching his men charge towards Ord’s troops, Gordon found he had troops approaching from his right, and rear, and Federal cavalry pushing between his troopers, and Longstreet’s 1^st Corps.  Approached by Colonel Charles Venable, of Lee’s staff, Venable brought a request from Lee, “….can you cut your way through?”  Gordon quickly responded, “Tell General Lee I’ve fought my corps to a frazzle, and I can do nothing unless Longstreet can support me.”(xii)  Lee, observing from behind Gordon’s lines, received Gordon’s message from Venable.  Speaking almost to himself, Lee said, “Then there is nothing left for me to do but go and see General Grant, and I would rather die a thousand deaths.”(xii)  It was about this time that Longstreet approached with CS Major General William “Billy” Mahone.  Longstreet would comment on Lee’s appearance, “He was dressed in a new uniform….and a pair of gold spurs.  At first approach his compact figure appeared as a man in the flush vigor of forty summers, but as I drew near, the handsome apparel and brave bearing failed to conceal his profound depression.”  After hearing opinions from other officers, Lee determined to surrender his army.  CS Brigadier General E.P. Alexander stated that he would prefer to scatter the army and fight a guerilla war.  

Lee mounted his horse, Traveller, and started towards the Federal lines.  Riding with him were Colonel Walter Taylor, and Charles Marshall.  With a white flag displayed, they entered the lines where Lee was given Grant’s note from the previous evening, stating he, “…had no authority to treat on the subject of peace…”  He dictated the following letter to Grant.

April 9, 1865

General: – I received your note of this morning on the picket line whiter I had come to meet you and ascertain definitely what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender of this army.  I now request an interview in accordance with the offer contained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose.
                                                                R.E. Lee, General.

Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant,
                 Commanding U.S. Armies (xiii)

Grant, who had been suffering from a severe migraine headache, for the past several days, received Lee’s letter and promptly replied.

General R.E. Lee,
          Commanding C.S. Armies.
Your note of this date is but this moment (11:50 A.M.) received, in consequence of my having passed from the Richmond and Lynchburg road to the Farmville and Lynchburg Road.  I am at this writing about four miles west of Walker’s Church and will push forward to the front for the purpose of meeting you.  Notice sent to me on this road where you wish the interview to take place will meet me.
                                                   U.S. Grant,
                                                     Lieutenant-General (xiv)

Miraculously, Grant’s migraine headache had disappeared.  Grant headed towards the meeting place Lee had given, the home of Wilmer McLean.  Grant, dressed as casually as ever, with a private’s blouse oddly adorned with lieutenant general shoulder straps, no sword and mud on his riding boots, arrived at McLean’s house, and entered.  The two commanders greeted each other, and sat down.  Grant had his staff with him, as did Lee.  The two great men chatted casually, with Grant stating that he remembered Lee from the Mexican War.  Lee politely replied that he also remembered Grant.  Lee, calling Grant’s attention to the purpose of their meeting, asked to get started.  Grant, receiving writing materials, began to write the official terms.

Appomattox C.H., Va.,
April 9, 1865

Gen. R.E. Lee,
           Comd’g C.S.A.
Gen: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8^th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the Army of N. 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 designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate.  The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands.  The arms, artillery and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them.  This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage.  This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside.
                                     Very respectfully,
                                              U.S. Grant,
                                                   Lt. Gen. (xv)

After reviewing Grant’s terms, Lee expressed that the terms would have a “happy effect.”  Commenting that his cavalry purchased their own horses, he stated it would be good if they could retain them.  Grant replied that it would be difficult for the men to get crops planted for their families’ sustenance, without horses.  He would notify his officers to let anyone claiming to own a horse, be allowed to keep it.  Lee then wrote the following letter, accepting Grant’s generous terms.

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia
April 9, 1865

General: – I received your letter of this date containing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you.  As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8^th inst., they are accepted.  I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect.
                                        R.E. Lee, General (xvi)

After duplicates of the two letters were created, and signed, the surrender was complete.  Lee, concerned for his troops, brought to Grant’s attention that his troops were hungry and had not eaten properly for several days.  Grant enquiring how many men needed rations was told, “about twenty-five thousand.”  Grant stated he would provide for them, any rations needed, from the trains at Appomattox Station.  With this, Lee took his leave.

As a country, we have much to be thankful for in the way these two men handled the surrender.  Grant by providing very generous terms for Lee’s army, set the tone for bringing the seceded states back into the Union.  Lee humbly accepted Grant’s terms and expressly forbid his men from taking up arms against the United States, which may have plunged the country into a long guerilla war.  Most of the southern soldiers, and officers, followed Lee’s example and went to their homes to live within the framework, and laws, of the United States.  Harsh feelings would remain for years.  However, if Grant had not offered such generous terms, based on Lincoln’s decree, there may have been military trials, hangings and imprisonment for many Confederate officers.  The fact that the United States was re-unified is a testament to these two men.  They are both American HEROES.

(i) Overland Campaign, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(ii) Bonekemper, Edward H. III, A Victor, Not a Butcher: Ulysses S. Grant’s Overlooked Military Genius, published by Regnery Publishing, Inc. 2004, Pg. 323.
(iii) Appomattox Campaign, at Wikipedia, was used to research this article.
(iv) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 727.
(v) Davis, Burke, To Appomattox: Nine April Days, 1865, published by Buford Books 1959, Pg. 293.
(vi) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 727.
(vii) Davis, Burke, To Appomattox: Nine April Days, 1865, published by Buford Books 1959, Pg. 294.
(viii) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pgs. 727–728.
(ix) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 843.
(x) Davis, Burke, To Appomattox: Nine April Days, 1865, published by Buford Books 1959, Pg. 320.
(xi) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 730.
(xii) Davis, Burke, To Appomattox: Nine April Days, 1865, published by Buford Books 1959, Pg. 350.
(xiii) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 731.
(xiv) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 732.
(xv) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pgs. 736–739.
(xvi) Grant, Ulysses S., Grant Memoirs and Selected Letters, published by Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. 1990, Ninth Printing, Pg. 740.