Opelika/Auburn Lee County Alabama
General Robert Edward Lee
"Marse" Robert
Lee's Farewell
to the Army of Northern Virginia
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.
