Quote/Poem Robert E Lee's Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia

[Bombardier]

After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.

You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

by Robert E. Lee

 

[82Rigger]

A very poignant event occured at the close of the above address.

Knowing that most of the South's economy had been wrecked by the war, Union General Grant graciously permitted all Southern soldiers to keep their small arms, knowing they would be desparately needed for hunting.

As the Southern soldiers shouldered arms and proceeded to march away, Union General George A. Custer ordered the Northern soldiers to "attention" and "present arms" as the Southern soldiers passed.

General Lee was visibly moved by this gesture of respect and returned to General Custer a mounted sword salute.

 

[Bombardier]

Honour in defeat sal;

 

[11bang_bang1983-87]

Thank you Bombardier sir for the contribution to the forum. I think this secton was an awesome addition to the military forum.