Did Grant let Confederates keep horses after Appomattox?
Question asked:
“After the surrender at Appomattox Court House, General Ulysses S. Grant allowed Confederate soldiers to return home without punishment, on the condition they would not fight again, and let them keep their horses.”
Summary
After the surrender at Appomattox Court House, General Grant granted parole to Confederate soldiers, permitting them to return home without punishment provided they would not take up arms again. He also allowed them to retain their horses, sidearms, and personal baggage. This was the agreed term of the surrender.
Sources 60 searched
- Grant at Appomattox Court House (U.S. National Park Service)
In a fine brick home, the two men discussed the surrender terms. Lee expected to be treated harshly. He was relieved the terms allowed Confederate soldiers to be paroled to return home and grant immunity from charges of treason.
- Surrender Documents - Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Box 218 Appomattox, VA 24522
- The Surrender Meeting - Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
The Surrender Meeting
- Ending the Bloodshed | National Archives
Surrenders, paroles, and amnesty ... the South and border states. Not until 16 months after Appomattox, on August 20, 1866, did the President formally declare an end to the war....
- Articles of Agreement Relating to the Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia (1865) | National Archives
Surrenders, paroles, and amnesty ... the South and border states. Not until 16 months after Appomattox, on August 20, 1866, did the President formally declare an end to the war....
- The Last Surrenders of the Civil War | National Archives
Grant proposed that the Confederates, ... the terms, and Grant began writing them out. One issue that Lee brought up before the terms were finalized and signed was the issue of horses....
- Ending the Bloodshed: The Last Surrenders of the Civil War – Pieces of History
Grant agreed to supply 25,000 rations to the hungry Confederate soldiers. Most of the rations were provided from Confederate supplies captured by Sheridan when he seized rebel supply trains at Appomattox Station the previous day.
- To the Bitter End | American Battlefield Trust
What is generally known is this: ... their weapons, but would then be allowed to go home. Lee agreed, asking also that his men be allowed to keep their horses....
- Prevent Further Effusion of Blood: The Surrender at Appomattox and Respect - Handout A: Narrative | Bill of Rights Institute
Grant allowed the Confederate officers to keep their side arms, horses, and baggage. Lee asked that all the soldiers be allowed to keep their horses since many were farmers, and Grant readily agreed.
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