Throughout the trip to the Deep South we saw Beaufort and Charleston, South Carolina. The highlight was seeing Fort Sumter where the Civil War started. The Confederates fired on the Fort, which was held by Federals. After a brief trip home the G family drove out to Appomattox Court House where the War of Northern Aggression (Civil War) ended and brothers were reunited.
After the loss at Gettysburg, Lee retreated back towards Virginia, his home terratory. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia tried to use trenches at the battle of Cold Harbor to defend Richmond against the Northern Army. Then later Lee and his Army defended Richmond and Petersburg, but these cities fell. Lee and his Army retreated west out of Richmond and Petersburg to be resupplied. But the Union Cavalry cut off the supply train stations. So the Union continued to pursue Lee and his Army west. Lee hoped that a Confederate relief Army from North Carolina could come up and help him. But no relief army came, and Lee and his men were out numbered low on ammunition, and desperately hungry. Finally Lee and his Army pulled into the area of Appomattox hoping to find supplies, but the Union again blocked the supply train. Surrounded on three sides, Lee ordered one last attack. His men charged the North and succeeded in pushing them back a little. The North added their reinforcements and Lee's hope was gone.
Robert E. Lee, Commander of all Virginia Forces sent a message to Grant asking for the terms of surrender. Lee's officer found a proper surrender place-the Appomattox Court House. They could not use the court house because it was closed on Easter. Lee and Grant met in the front parlor of Mr. McLean's house. They talked about their time together in the Mexican War and then got down to business. Lee sat at the marble topped table and Grant at the wooden table. Grant paroled all Lee's men and allowed them to keep their horses for spring plowing. The officers could keep their pistols. He even allowed Lee to keep his sword, which was a symbol of his command and authority. Grant did not humiliate General Lee by requesting his sword. The Confederates had to give up their rifles and cannons so rebellion was averted. After the surrender agreement was signed, Grant arranged for the North's own rations to be given to the Confederate soldiers. By caring for the enemies Grant and the Northern Army helped launch healing and reconstruction.
The Court House was the exact center of the Community of Appomattox. But it was closed because of Easter on April 9, 1865. The surrender signing occurred in the parlor of the house.
So Mr. Wilmer McLean offered his house for the surrender. The Appomattox Garden Society decorated the town for Christmas when we were there we saw wreaths on the doors, garland on the side-rails and candles in some of the windows.
General's Grant's desk where he signed the surrender.
And below is General Lee's desk. See the big book in the back round? This book would probably a Bible.
The Hero of Little Round Top at Gettysburg, Joseph Chamberlain had made it though the war now a General, he had his Northern men salute the Confederates for they laid down their arms.
Here are us on the spot that the Confederates turned in their weapons.
Some beautiful scenery. I love to the fields beyond the trees.
The last place where the last shot was fired. The soldiers were emptying the cannons, so the last shot was not aimed at anything.
The printing house (really a room) where parole papers were printed.
A Bible of Joel T. Cawthorne 18th Virginia Infantry (CSA) that survived.
Brothers reunited.
