Report of Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, of the United States Armies 1864–65 explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Horrors and Cost of War

  Grant acknowledges the human and material cost, noting the nation mourns 'the loss of friends fallen' and bears the 'pecuniary cost' of the conflict.

• National Union and Constitutional Crisis

  The report frames the war as a rebellion against the Constitution, with Grant's goal being 'equal submission' of all sections to the laws of the land.

• Reconciliation and Magnanimity

  Grant's generous surrender terms—allowing officers to keep side-arms and private horses, and paroling men to return home—reflect a magnanimous approach aimed at lasting peace.

• Leadership and Humility

  Grant expresses humility by leaving judgment of his actions to the people, stating he acted 'conscientiously, to the best of my ability' for the country's interests.

Characters to notice

• Ulysses S. Grant

  Author of the report; describes his strategic vision and command decisions from 1864 to the end of the war.

• Robert E. Lee

  Corresponds with Grant regarding the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia; his example influences other Confederate commanders.

• Edwin M. Stanton

  Secretary of War; recipient of Grant's official report.

• William T. Sherman

  Moves against Johnston after learning of Lee's surrender; opens correspondence leading to Johnston's surrender.

• Joseph E. Johnston

  Confederate commander who surrenders to Sherman following Lee's capitulation.

• Philip H. Sheridan

  Commands cavalry at Appomattox; receives Lee's request for a suspension of hostilities.

• Edward Ord

  His command reaches Appomattox Station as the enemy attempts to break through Union cavalry.

• Benjamin F. Butler

  Receives Grant's detailed instructions for the spring campaign, including operations on the south side of James River.

Key passages

• “I therefore determined, first, to use the greatest number of troops practicable against the armed force of the enemy; preventing him from using the same force at different seasons against first one and then another of our armies, and the possibility of repose for refitting and producing necessary supplies for carrying on resistance. Second, to hammer continuously against the armed force of the enemy and his resources, until by mere attrition, if in no other way, there should be nothing left to him but an equal submission with the loyal section of our common country to the constitution and laws of the land.”

  Grant resolved to apply maximum pressure on the Confederate army at all times, denying the enemy the chance to shift troops between fronts or rest and resupply. His goal was to wear down the Confederate forces through relentless attacks until they had no choice but to surrender and accept the authority of the U.S. Constitution.

  This passage encapsulates Grant's overarching strategy of attrition and continuous warfare.

• “The interview was held at Appomattox Courthouse, the result of which is set forth in the following correspondence: ... Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate ... The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the Government of the United States until properly exchanged; and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside.”

  At Appomattox, Grant and Lee agreed on surrender terms: Confederate officers and men would be paroled and allowed to return home, keeping their personal side-arms and horses, while turning over all other weapons and public property. They would not be prosecuted as long as they obeyed their paroles and local laws.

  These terms became famous for their leniency, helping to foster reconciliation.