After the Surrender

On April 9, 1865, Gen. Robert E. Lee rode the old Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road to and from his meeting with Grant. As he returned to the army and passed toward his headquarters atop the ridge, hundreds of Confederate soldiers surged around him. Their shouts gave way to silence, hats were raised, and many of the soldiers wept as they pressed near him, trying to take his hand, touch him, or lay a hand upon his horse. With his head bare and tears flowing, Lee bade farewell to the army and told the men who had been so true in arms to return to their homes and become worthy citizens.

Appomattox, Virginia · United States