Introductory Note
The following letters exchanged by Generals Grant and Lee give the terms under
which the latter surrendered his army and practically brought to a close the War of
Secession.
From U.S. Grant To R.E. Lee
Appomattox Court-House, Virginia April 9, 1865.
General: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I
propose to receive the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia 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 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 to 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 officers
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 his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their
paroles and the laws in force where they may reside.
U.S. Grant, Lieutenant-General. General R. E. Lee.
From R.E. Lee To U.S. Grant
Head-Quarters, Army of Northern Virginia April 9, 1865.
General: I received your letter of this date containing the terms of the 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 8th instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to
designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect.
R. E. Lee, General. Lieutenant-General U.S. Grant.
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