Beschreibung:

CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. Document signed ("R. E. Lee, Genl."), Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, 10 April 1865. 1 page, 4to, neatly backed, folds repaired from verso, matted and framed . "AFTER FOUR YEARS OF ARDUOUS SERVICE..." LEE'S MOST MEMORABLE ORDER A boldly penned manuscript of Lee's memorable valedictory to the Army of Northern Virginia, his General Orders No. 9. Like copies of the Orders known to have been signed for officers the day of the fateful surrender, this copy is headed at top left "General Orders No. 9." Even more significantly, Lee signs this copy with his rank, a strong indication that it may have been signed at Appomattox, as it appears that Lee deliberately omitted his rank when signing post-war "souvenir" copies. The famous order reads: "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 this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that would compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest I determined to avoid the useless sacrifices 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 rememberance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell." Lee signed the final surrender documents on Sunday, 9 April 1865, in the parlor of the McLean house, just north of Appomattox Courthouse. The next day Lee outlined to his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Marshall the ideas he wished to express in his farewell message to the army he had led since assuming command in June 1862. Marshall produced a draft, which Lee edited and revised, and this became the General Order No. 9, one of the best-known documents of the war. Manuscript copies of the General Order No. 9, signed by the Commander, were likely intended for presentation to ranking divisional or brigade commanders in the Army of Northern Virginia.