U.S Grant - Appomattox Lee surrender - History

During the civil war, the South had Robert E. Lee leading its armies right from the very beginning. However, President Lincoln did not find a general who could succeed for the North until he found Ulysses S. Grant. Lincoln tried and rejected six generals before he found US Grant. Although these generals possessed leadership skills and military know-how, most had no skill at winning battles. Grant was a quiet, average, humble 39-year-old from West Point whose persistence and strength of character enabled him to get the job done.

In the Eastern Theatre of War, the union were continually on the losing side and made little progress. Only U.S Grant is making significant progress and delivering major victories in the Western Theatre. In 1864, Lincoln finally finds U.S Grant and congress gives him the rank of lieutenant General (3 Star) last held by George Washington himself. The war will end quickly in a year after U.S Grant's appointment, as the General of all Union armies.

"And while Lincoln set the course, it was Grant who sailed the ship."

[chaspfrank]

Fun Fact: The farm where 1st Bull Run was fought in 1861 was owned by Wilmer McLean. After that battle, McLean moved his family "way out west in Virginia" to be away from all of the fighting. He bought a house in a little town call Appomattox, and it was in this house that Grant accepted Lee's surrender. So the war started in his yard, and ended in his parlor.

[KibuFox]

Fun Fact: General Grant, and Confederate General Longstreet, were best of friends. After the war, Grant appointed Longstreet to a number of positions within his own cabinet and presidency. Longstreet would go on to work for Teddy Roosevelt, and William McKinley in their presidencies, even being appointed the U.S. Marshal (highest law enforcement officer in the country) for the state of Georgia.

[thewestisthebest]

When Lee saw General Parker he was a bit shocked. Parker was the first Native American general in American history and a close friend of Grant’s.

Lee then walked over to Parker and outstretched his hand saying “At least there is one real American here.” General Parker shook Lee’s hand and replied “We are all Americans here.”

[tsipher]

Grant telling his men to not celebrate was a quality of humility but also, it was a tragic war. Granted, all wars are tragic but this war was more of mourning then a sense of pride after the victory.

[gavinsims]

It’s amazing how they were able to resolve the matter like true gentlemen. Grant did not belittle Lee for surrendering and treated him and his men respectfully and the same with Lee as well.

[metalrocker]

The most important lesson to be learned here: Be Dignified in Defeat, and be Gracious in Victory. ✌🏼

[allenboyer]

In a letter home to his parents, my great-grandfather writes about how his cavalry unit is dispatched to Appomattox. The letter is dated around the time of this meeting. However, my great-grandfather lost his horse in a battle, and thus missed out on attending this meeting.

[TheOlpaddywalsh]

The origional terms did not allow enlisted men to keep their horses. After Lee asked for a clarification on this point, Grant admitted he didn't realize how many confederate soldiers had their personal horses with them, and changed the terms without Lee having to formally ask. This was an amazing gesture on Grant's part

[DarkLord-]

If I recall correctly in this surrender at Appomattox, Lee mentioned that his men were starving, so Grant gave the order to send food to Lee's men. Doing so allowed for negotiations to run more smoothly.

[Tacofiend]

Grant was very gracious in his treatment of lee and the defeated confederate soldiers

[CryptoX-krwu]

Just last year, I had the unique opportunity to visit Grant’s Tomb in New York City. I’ve had a deep interest in the Civil War all my life; since I was in elementary school. Now here I was 40 years later standing inside the tomb of Grant himself. It was incredible.

[RYk]

"War does not end when people put down their guns. It ends when they reconcile. Until then, war has only paused"

[ethanweeter]

Lee was a fellow graduate of West Point like Grant. He was a graduate in 1829 though, whereas Grant graduated in 1843. Lee graduated 2nd in class at West Point, while Grant only graduated 21st in his class.

[AeonAxisProductions]

My favorite part of the surrender, is that they purposefully gave the white flag to chamberlain, because lee really respected him

[crazyman]

“With malice toward none, and charity towards all…” 😇

[dvanb-keqn]

When Americans fight Americans their is no winner...let us never divide again!!

[conservativetexan]

Before Grant, Lincoln wanted Lee to lead the union. Lee denied. He was to loyal to his home of Virginia.

[Flmtwit]

🎶 Away down South in the land of traitors, rattlesnakes and alligators
🎶 Right away! Come away! Right away! Right away, come away!
🎶 Where cotton’s king and men are chattels Union boys will win the battles . . .

[alexandergriffith]

Lee also married into George Washington's descendant.

[Rangerable]

I love how Lee, upon discovering Parker to be a Seneca, remarks, "It is good to have one real American among us."

To which Parker replied, "We are all Americans.".