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$Title{Terms Of Lee's Surrender And His Farewell
Lee's Farewell To His Army}
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$Author{Lee, Robert E.}
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$Date{1865}
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Title:       Terms Of Lee's Surrender And His Farewell
Book:        Lee's Farewell To His Army
Author:      Lee, Robert E.
Date:        1865

Lee's Farewell To His Army

Head-Quarters, Army of Northern Virginia, April 10, 1865.

     After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and
fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to
overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many
hard-fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have
consented to this result from no distrust of them: but, feeling that valour
and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that
would have attended the continuation of the contest, I have determined to
avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to
their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return
to their homes and remain there until exchanged. You will take with you the
satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully
performed; and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you His
blessing and protection. With an increasing admiration of your constancy and
devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous
consideration of myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

R. E. Lee, General.