LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

74398

Contemporary Copy of General Order Number 9

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:375.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
Contemporary Copy of General Order Number 9
<B>Contemporary Copy of General Order Number 9, Robert E. Lee's Farewell Address to the Army of Northern Virginia.</B></I> Two pages, 5” x 8”, np, nd, ink. Entitled “Farewell address of Gen R E Lee to the army of N V General Orders No. 9.” After Grant broke through the Confederate lines following the Battle of Five Forks on April 1, 1865, Lee evacuated both Richmond and Petersburg leading his army west toward Appomattox, where a supply train awaited him. He planned then to turn south and join forces with Joseph Johnston in North Carolina. Unfortunately for Lee, George Custer's cavalry destroyed the three supply trains awaiting Lee at Appomattox on April 8. Lee arrived that night and immediately resolved to push on to Lynchburg the following morning, where another supply train could replenish his army. By the morning of the 9th, however, enough Union forces had gathered to surround him. He made one last desperate attempt, sending John B. Gordon to break through the Union cavalry guarding the western exit. When the attempt failed, Lee had no choice but to surrender in order to save his men from further suffering. He negotiated a ceasefire and surrendered. <BR><BR>The next day, Lee bade farewell to his soldiers, who according to the generous terms of surrender, “…will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they may reside…” The address copied here was delivered by Lee to his beleaguered Army of Northern Virginia, and reads in full: “<I>After four years of ardious sic service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of N. Va. has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the brave survivors of some 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 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 a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings & protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell. R. E. Lee General.</B></I>”<BR><BR>This is a desirable piece of Civil War history in fine condition, with a horizontal fold separation repaired and a few very small holes in the paper, not affecting the overall appearance.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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