Norwich bulletin., 1921-09-19
ODD INCLnENTS IN AMERICAy
 HISTORY
WHEN THE SOUTHERN ARMY
MARCHED HOME


 When the great American conflict of the sixties was over and the South through exhaustion was unable to further carry on the war, a sad spectacle was presented by the resolute but conquered Southerners. General Gordon, in his "Reminiscences of the war says: Marked consideration and courtesy were exhibited at AppomatoX by the victorious federals from the commanding generals to the privates in the ranks. As my command, in wornout shoes and ragged uniforms, but with proud mien mode to the des- ignated spot to stack their arms and sur render their cherished battle flags, they challenged the admiration of the brave victors"
 When the surrender was over and the terms stated. the Southern soldiers fixed their bayonets to their muskets, stacked their arms and unSlung their cartridge boxes and hung them upon the stacks. Then slowly the torn battle flags were either leaned against the stacks or laid upon the ground. Some of the men who had carried and followed these ragged standards through the four long years of strife rushed, regardless of all dis cipline, from the ranks. bent above their old flags and pressed them to their lips
 
 deavored to check this exhibition of loy- atty and love for the old flags. A great majority of them were duly surrendered but many of them were secretly carried carried by devoted veterans to their by devoted veterans to their homes l to be cherished as honored heir. 1 looms.
 During these last scenes at Appomatoz some of the Confederates were so de- pressed in spirits, so filled with appre- hensions as to the policy to be adopted l by the civil authorities at Washington 1 that the future seemed to them shr0udet 1 in gloom They knew that burnt home. and fenceiess farms. poverty and ashe! i would greet them on their return iron the war.
 l As the Confederates were taking leav' 1 of ApomatoX and about to begin thei1 long and weary tramp homeward, man! 1 of the Union men bade them cordia farewell. notes Gen. Gordon. The parole issued to the Confederates were care fully examined by the possessors, ant 1 elicited a great variety of comment. Eacl his company and regiment, and recordet his pledge to fight no more, until he wa regularly exchanged
 It is said at the final meeting in tn little brick house at Appomatox Genera Lee attended in his best uniform out Q respect for the Federal cheftain Genera Grant, on the other hand, had received while on his line among his soldiers, Ger Lees reply to his last note, and withou returning to his headquarters for hi dress uniform, hte Union commander a once rode to the point of meeting, wear ing his fatigue suit, his cavalry boot begrimed with Virginia mud, and hi plain blue oyercoat concealing all insigni of rank.
 Gen. Grants own declaration say MT. Gordon, many years after the wal that he felt sad and depressed as he rod to meet Gen. Lee, is entirely consisten with every account of his bearing 8 the surrender"
 There was no grand review for tn Confederate army on it's way home, bu there was just as much loyalty displaye at ever point through which the soldier passed, and each in their own neighboi hood was given such cordial welcom
 home unaccompanied b ponp and dis l play, that did not fail to assure them ( , it's sincerity even although returning var quished.
 f (Tomorrow-Presidenti Farewells)