Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
The Correspondence and Surrender at Appomattox explained
Grant describes the final days leading to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, including Sheridan's capture of supply trains at Appomattox, the exchange of letters between Grant and Lee regarding surrender terms, and the crumblin
What happens
Grant describes the final days leading to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, including Sheridan's capture of supply trains at Appomattox, the exchange of letters between Grant and Lee regarding surrender terms, and the crumbling of Lee's army as soldiers desert to their homes. The chapter culminates in the engagement at Appomattox where Lee, confronted by Union infantry and cavalry, raises a white flag.
Themes in this chapter
Reconciliation and Magnanimity
Grant's letters emphasize a desire to avoid further bloodshed and offer terms that focus on peace rather than punishment, reflecting a magnanimous approach to the defeated enemy.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter highlights the human cost of war through the crumbling of Lee's army, the desperate assault on supply trains, and Ewell's remark that continued killing would be 'little better than murder.'
Leadership and Humility
Grant demonstrates decisive leadership in initiating surrender talks while showing humility by shifting responsibility for further bloodshed and seeking a peaceful resolution.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Author and commanding general; initiates correspondence with Lee for surrender, directs troop movements, and records the final campaign.
- Robert E. Lee
Confederate commander; exchanges letters with Grant regarding surrender terms and ultimately raises the white flag at Appomattox.
- Philip H. Sheridan
Union cavalry commander; leads forced march to capture supply trains at Appomattox and informs Grant of the opportunity.
- George A. Custer
Union cavalry division commander; captures four trains at Appomattox Station and engages Confederate forces attempting to recover them.
- Andrew A. Humphreys
Union corps commander; confronts Lee's rearguard at High Bridge and Farmville, forcing a crossing and holding a hazardous position.
- Horatio G. Wright
Union corps commander; pushes west of Farmville, fords the Appomattox, and relieves Humphreys.
- Edward Ord
Union general; commands the Army of the James, extending from Burkesville towards Farmville, and participates in the final advance.
- Richard S. Ewell
Confederate prisoner; quoted by Dr. Smith as stating the Confederate cause was lost and further bloodshed would be murder.
Key passages
“The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.”
Grant writes to Lee that the recent Union victories make further Confederate resistance futile, and he feels obligated to ask for Lee's surrender to prevent more bloodshed.
Grant's first formal request for surrender, emphasizing his sense of duty to end the war.
“Though not entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its surrender.”
Lee replies that he does not agree the situation is hopeless but shares Grant's wish to avoid unnecessary casualties, and asks what terms would be offered.
Lee's cautious response, seeking clarification of surrender conditions before committing.
“In reply I would say that, peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, namely: that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for taking up arms again against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged.”
Grant states that his only condition for surrender is that the Confederate soldiers and officers cannot fight again until formally exchanged, emphasizing his primary goal of peace.
Grant's second letter, outlining lenient terms focused on preventing further hostilities.
“He said further, that for every man that was killed after this in the war somebody is responsible, and it would be but very little better than murder.”
General Ewell reportedly said that any further deaths in the war would be the responsibility of those continuing the fight, and would be almost as bad as murder.
Ewell's statement, relayed by Dr. Smith, influences Grant to initiate surrender correspondence.
