Stiles/Akin
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2016
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
Members, several of you might already know this story. I have just learned it and am still unable to take it in fully.
After the General’s surrender and the conclusion of stacking of arms at Appomattox, Union Lt. Samuel C. Lovell of the 4th Mass. Cavalry was assigned with 16 troopers under his command, to accompany General Lee back home to Richmond, or until Lee relieved him of this assignment, thereby effectively putting Lovell and his men under Lee’s command.
After a short distance through Union lines, Lee reined in Traveller and told Lovell that he was in friendly country and to accompany the party further would be a hindrance to Lovell’s more important military duties.
With tears in his eyes, the Lee shook Lovell’s hand, saluted and bade him farewell and God bless.
Who...?
Whoever in the history of man...has ever shown more tact, grace, integrity, kindness and humanity in more challenging circumstances...?
None may answer that call.
There is only one-
The Gray Fox.
Heroism, itself, personified.
-Source, ‘Diary of Lt. Samuel C. Lovell’, as cited in, ‘Lee: The Last Years’, by Charles Bracelen Flood.
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