| Recommended Readings
Diary
of a Confederate Soldier, John S. Jackman Manassas
to Appomattox, Edgar Warfield Johnny
Green of the Orphan Brigade: The Journal of a Confederate Soldier
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Last Order of General Robert E. Lee
Headquarters 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 valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate
for the loss that would have attended the the continuance of the
contest, I have determined to avoid sacrifice of those whose past
services have endeared them to their countrymen. April 10, 1865
General Order Number 9.
By the terms of the agreement officers and men can return to their homes and remain until discharged. You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray the a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and general consideration for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
R. E. Lee, General
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