Civil War Trust
Today, April 9, 2015, marks the 150th anniversary of Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Virginia. This War Department video explores some of the artifacts that survive from that historic day.
At about 4 p.m. on April 9, 1865, Lee left the modest McLean House, where the surrender had been arranged. A bystander recalled the scene:
"The general stood on the lowest step and gazed sadly in the direction of the valley beyond where his army lay - now an army of prisoners. He smote his hands together a number of times in an absent sort of way; seemed not to see the group of Union officers in the yard who rose respectfully at his approach, and appeared unconscious of everything about him. All appreciated the sadness that overwhelmed him, and he had the personal sympathy of every one who beheld him at this supreme moment of trial. The approach of his horse seemed to recall him from his reverie, and he at once mounted. General Grant now stepped down from the porch, and, moving toward him, saluted him by raising his hat. He was followed in this act of courtesy by all our officers present; Lee raised his hat respectfully, and rode off to break the sad news to the brave fellows whom he had so long commanded."
Discover more here: http://www.civilwar.org/edu…/war-department/grant-and-l.html
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