Rare Period Manuscript Copy of Lee’s Farewell Address, CSA General Order’s No. 9

Manuscript document, General Orders No. 9. Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, 10 April [1865]. 2 pages. Docketed at foot of page 2.

An exceedingly scarce contemporary manuscript copy of Lee’s heartfelt final address to his troops after the surrender at Appomattox on 10 April 1865. The manner in which the document was folded and its docket suggest it is a brigade copy. Written by Lee’s aide-de-camp and Col. Charles Marshall, it was edited and finalized by Lee. The text highlights the “courage and fortitude” of his troops and an expression of his “unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country.”

Reads in full:

Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865.
General Order?No. 9

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 the result from no distrust of them.

But feeling that valour and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I have 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 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 for myself, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

—?R. E. Lee, General, General Order No. 9

Few period examples are offered for sale publicly at auction, rare acquisition opportunity.


[Civil War, Confederate, Appomattox, Manuscripts, Ephemera]