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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.
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