In all the hoopla surrounding the NRA AM, I missed this one…

April 10th in History… The date was 150 years ago. 1865…

Lee’s General Order Number 9 was recorded by Rev. Edmund Jennings Lee, IV (b. 1877) for an LP entitled THE CONFEDERACY (Columbia Records, DL-220).
Text follows.

The Last Order of General Robert E. Lee, C. S. Army,
Commanding Army of Northern Virginia.

GENERAL ORDERS No. 9.

HDQRS. 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 brave survivors of so many hard-fought battles, who have remained steadfast to the last, that I have consented to the result from no distrust of them. But, feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I 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 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 considerations for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

R. E. LEE,
General

One of the most memorable general orders ever…

And Grant’s order was also rather interesting, in that he didn’t make them prisoners.

“Appomattox Court-House, Virginia April 9, 1865.
“GENERAL: In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained by such officer or officers as you may designate. 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 to 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.

“U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

One day that changed the face of America forever, and two gentlemen who understood the true cost of war. The conducted themselves with honor and did not stoop to the lows that could have very easily have destroyed the country.

h/t Stretch