Confederate Documents:
Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia
by Robert E. Lee

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 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 may 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 unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

                                                    (The original 19th century painting from this photograph
                                                     was taken was painted by Carl Gutherz.  The painting was
                                                     destroyed many years ago by a fire in Richmond, Virginia.
                                                     Silhouetted by his horse Traveler, General Lee is depicted
                                                     after his meeting with General Grant at the McClean House.
                                                     This photograph is believed to be the only extant image of
                                                     the famous painting.)

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