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Lot #2084
Robert E. Lee's Surrender: Handwritten Telegram

"Genl Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut Genl Grant...The Army of Northern Virginia is no more!!!”

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Estimate: $500+
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Description

"Genl Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut Genl Grant...The Army of Northern Virginia is no more!!!”

Civil War-dated handwritten telegram, two pages, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 10, April 10, 1865. Transcription in an unknown hand of a telegram sent by the "Head Quarters Armies U. S. Appomattox C. H. April 9th. 1865," to transmit to Bvt. Major General Orlando B. Wilcox. In full: "Genl Lee this afternoon surrendered his entire army to Lieut Genl Grant; officers and privates to retain private horses, arms, and baggage; officers and men to be permitted to return to their homes, but not be disturbed by the U. S. authorities as long as they observe the laws where they reside; all public property to be turned over to Ordnance and Quartermaster Departments. Remnants of Lee's army surrendered is about 30,000. April 10. Surrender is completed this morning; munitions of war, etc. turned over to the U. S. and Genl Grant leaves for City Point at eleven o'clk this morning. The Army of Northern Virginia is no more!!!" The transcript was subsequently made official by the endorsement of Acting Assistant Adjutant General William Vigors Richards at the conclusion. In very good condition, with intersecting folds with tape-repaired partial edge separations, and scattered foxing. Significant content from the close of the Civil War.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Military and the Cold War
  • Dates: #684 - Ended May 18, 2023