The Mind and Heart of Ulysses S. Grant

One wonders what was on Ulysses S. Grant’s mind on the evening of April 9, 1865, as he reflected on that day’s events. What was he feeling? What was he thinking? After all, the general was not much given to public displays of emotion: he was a master of wry understatement. And yet he had achieved the mission he had undertaken precisely thirteen months ago–March 9, 1864–that of bringing Robert E. Lee to the surrender table.

Ulysses S. Grant Remembers Appomattox

Many people are familiar with Ulysses S. Grant’s account of his meeting with Robert E. Lee on April 9, 1865, in his memoirs. Less well known is an earlier account, shared with correspondent John Russell Young during Grant’s trip around the world following his presidency. Here is that account:

April 9, 1865: Terms of Surrender

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The Army of Northern Virginia’s Final Flag