General Robert E. Lee,
CSA Army of Northern Virginia
IN THE FINAL HOURS OF THE CIVIL WAR, GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE
HAD ONE "LAST ORDER FOR THE "BRAVE SURVIVORS" OF HIS COMMAND. IT WAS
IMPORTANT! INTERPRETATION WAS ESSENTIAL." IT WAS PUBLISHED AS A
"GENERAL ORDER," AND MADE A MATTER OF NATIONAL RECORDS FOR POSTERITY!
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 brave 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 must
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 will 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 for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.
/signed/ R. E. LEE, General