Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-04-09
Grants Own Story


rxyHEN had left camp that morning had not ex-
w pected 30 soon the result then taking place, and
consequently in rough earb. was with
out a sword. as usually when on horseback on
the field ana wore soldiers blouse for coat, with
the shoulder straps OF my rank TO indicate TO the
army who was When went into the house ]
found General Lee. We greeted each otner' ana
after shaking hands took our seats. had my stan
with me, q good portion Of whom were in the room
during the whole OF the interview
What General Lees feelings we're DO not know
As he was a man OF much dignity with an impassive
face. IL was impossible say whether he felt In
wardy glad that the end had finally come or felt SAD
over the result, and was too manly to show "
Whatever his feelings they were entirely concealed
from my observation: but my own feelings, which
had been quite jubilant the receipt of his let
ter were sad and depressed. I felt like anything
rather than rejoicing the downfall OF q foe VINO
had fought long and vaiianuy. end had suffered
40 much for a cause though that cause was
believe, one Of the worst for which a people ever
fought. and for which there was the least
excuse. / do not question, however, the sincerity
Of the great mass Of those who opposed to us
General Lee was dressed in fCal uniform which
was entirely new, and wearing sword Of con-
siderabis value. very likely The sword which had
been presented by the state OF virginia; at all
events Il was an entirely different sword from the
one that would ordinarily be worn In the field In
my rough travelling suit the uniform OF private
with the straps Of lieutenant general, must have
contrasted very strangely with man 80 handsomely
dressed. ak feet high and OF fauitess form But
this not matter that thought Of until after
wards
We soon fen into a conversation about old army
times He remarked that he remembered me very
well in the old army; and told him that az a
matter OF course remembered him perfectly but
from the difference in rank and years tthere
being sixteen years difference in our ages),
had thought Il very likely that had not attracted
his attention sufficiently to be remembered by him
after such long interval Our conversation grew
pleasant that almost forgot the object OF our
| meeting After the conversation had in this
style time, General Lee called attention
70 the object OF meeting and said that he had
asked for this interview for purpose Of getting
from me the terms I proposed to sive his army.
said that meant merely that his army should lay
down their arms, not TO take them up again during
the continuance Of the war unless duly and properly
| exchanged. He said that he had 80 understood my
| letter
Then gradually We fell Off agaln into conversation
4 about matters foreign to the subject which hAd
brought together This continued for some little
time whom General Lee interrupted the course
OF the conversation by suggesting that the terms
proposed to five his army ought 70 be written out
| called General Parker secretary on my staff
for writing materials, and commenced writing out the
| follow terms;
APPoMATTox COURT HOUSE Va. April .. 1856
--oenefal n. r. Lee Commandins c. 3. A--Generai
In accordance with the substance OF letter to you
Of the sth met. to receive the surrender Of
/ the Army OF North Virginia the following terms
towtsi Rolls Of all the OFFICERS and the men to b
made In duplicate One copy to be given TO Officer
designated BY me- the other to be retained by sucl
officer pfftcers You may designate The Officers
to give their Individual paroles MOTTO take up
| against the government OF the United States unit
properiy. exchanged and each company reg
mental commander sign like parole for the o.
their commands The arms, artillery and publ
4 property 10 be parked ana stacked and turned owe
TO the officer appointed by me to receive them Thi
will embrace the de-aFms Of the officers nor tn
private horses or bagsage. This done. each office
and man win be allowed 10 return to their homes
not to be disturbed BY United states authority &
long they observe their paroles ana the laws Ii
forue whore they may reside. Very respectfully
~. s, GRANT. Lieutenant General"