My father was educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Pearland, Texas. While certain deficiencies particularly in mathematics and foreign languages arose from such a rudimentary background, other excellent disciplines were instilled. In particular a strong sense of American history was imbued to the students. As part of his curriculum Dad memorized three famous American documents: The Declaration of Independence, Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, and General Lee’s General Order Number 9. While the first two remain part of current curriculum, the failure to address the significance of Lee’s farewell address to his troops undermines our understanding of the reconciliation process that was requisite after a very bloody civil war. That is, the future course of American history was determined as much by the bold leadership in both the North and South to reconcile the bitter antagonisms as the complete Northern military victory. Otherwise we would have the persistent lawlessness that divides nations throughout most of the world based on sectional differences.
To understate the mindset of the South, I will recall a recent conversations with a classic southern Gentleman of eighty-five who resides in Macon, Georgia. Ben who clearly is part of the landed gentry of the South stated in soft but defiant terms that (1) the South had full right to secede (2) Reconstruction was a terrible injustice and (3) Segregation while wrong required outside help to allow local southerners to overturn local traditions (4) the Ku Klux Klan was initially a necessary evil to circumscribe the excesses of overnight emancipation.
In order to understand the significance of Order Number 9, we must recognize that General Lee was totally uncertain about his fate when surrendering to Grant at Appomattox. Both before and subsequent to the Civil War, failed rebel leaders historically were either imprisoned or shot. Thus, Lee was visibly moved by the incredible courtesy displayed by Grant reflecting the policy of Mr. Lincoln. On several occasions Lee a most courtly man of very regal somewhat erect bearing was visibly stirred by the graciousness of Grant not only toward the Southern officers but also the enlisted men. Grant took great steps to provide needed food provisions for the starving Southern troops, allowed them to keep their horses needed for restoring their farms, and created an atmosphere of respect for the fallen Southern troops.
It was in that spirit; Lee totally disobeyed the wishes of Jefferson Davis who envisioned massive resistance similar to the disruptive conduct we are currently witnessing in Iraq. Thank goodness the spirit or reconciliation began immediately after the Southern surrender and both sides learned to accommodate the new political realities. Given the “political correctness” required in my current position, I cannot state my opinions of the appropriateness of the return of Home Rule following the Compromise of 1877. I just want to state the American political genius is our ability to compromise.
General Order
No 9
Head Quarters Army of Northern Virginia
10th April 2865
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 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 country men.
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 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.
