Barrycdog
Major
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2013
- Location
- Buford, Georgia
Robert E. Lee's Farewell Address
All of Robert E. Lee's orders, telegraphs, letters, and reports were copied by his staff into bound books. Taken from the Army of Northern Virginia "order" book, this copy of General Order No. 9 is, perhaps, the earliest recorded copy of Lee's dignified farewell to his army:
...
General Order No. 9 View fullscreen More information"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 would 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 there 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."
R. E. Lee
Genl
Source: Virginia Historical Society
VHE_ATP_General Order No. 9 (Mss12.1865.Apr10.5)_medium
Expired Image Removed
All of Robert E. Lee's orders, telegraphs, letters, and reports were copied by his staff into bound books. Taken from the Army of Northern Virginia "order" book, this copy of General Order No. 9 is, perhaps, the earliest recorded copy of Lee's dignified farewell to his army:
...
General Order No. 9 View fullscreen More information"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 would 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 there 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."
R. E. Lee
Genl
Source: Virginia Historical Society
VHE_ATP_General Order No. 9 (Mss12.1865.Apr10.5)_medium
Expired Image Removed
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