Civil War Broadsides
"Glorious News! Lee has found the Last ditch. His Army Surrenders to Gen. Grant !" Unrecorded Civil War Broadside
c. April 9, 1865 Civil War Period, Historic Original Printed Broadside Headed: "Glorious News ! - Lee has found the last ditch - His Army Surrenders to Gen. GRANT ! - Conditions of Surrender...", the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, Very Fine.
This extraordinary unrecorded Extremely Important Civil War Broadside was printed immediately upon receipt of the historic news, within days of April 9th, 1865 Surrender event at Appomattox Court House, the day on which General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. Printed on wove period paper, typset in black ink, in a tall 15.5" x 3.75" format with wide margins, having no printer's imprint, laid to 21" x 9" surrounding mat. There are some horizontal folds, yet even in tone and pleasing in appearance, hiving one very small edge fold split in the margin to the left of "His Army" at top, not affecting any printed text.
This Broadside contains the text of the notes exchanged between Lee and Grant on April 9th, ending with Lee's acceptance of the terms of surrender, and Grant's note to Union Secretary of War Stanton confirming the surrender. This event brought the Civil War to an end. Although other similar newspaper extras announcing the surrender exist, this version, issued without any imprint, appears to be unrecorded and is likewise Unique, as such to the best of our knowledge. An outstanding. highly important Civil War Broadside regarding the the surrender of Lee's Army and the end of the Civil War.
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF
AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
The announcement presented on this Rare Broadside refers to the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. This event marked a pivotal moment in the Civil War, signaling the imminent collapse of the Confederacy.
The Surrender took place on April 9, 1865, at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia. After a series of battles and setbacks, General Lee realized that further resistance was futile, leading to his decision to surrender.
Lee's surrender effectively ended major Confederate military operations in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. While some Confederate forces continued to resist in other theaters, Lee's capitulation dealt a severe blow to the Confederacy's morale and strategic position.
Broadside announcements, were a common method of disseminating news and information during the 19th century. Printed on large sheets of paper, Broadsides were posted in public places or distributed to convey important announcements, news, or proclamations to a wide audience.
The news of Lee's surrender spread quickly throughout the North and was met with jubilation and relief. It was seen as a major victory for the Union and a significant step toward the eventual reunification of the United States.
The Surrender at Appomattox Court House is widely regarded as the symbolic end of the Civil War. While some skirmishes and minor engagements continued for several weeks afterward, Lee's surrender marked the beginning of the process of Reconstruction and the transition from war to peace in the United States.
Broadside announcements from the Civil War era, including those celebrating significant events like Lee's surrender, are highly sought after by collectors and historians. They provide valuable insights into the public perception and reaction to key moments in American history.
Overall, the "Glorious News! Lee has found the Last Ditch. His Army Surrenders to Gen. Grant!" Broadside is a tangible historic artifact that captures the sense of triumph and relief felt by many Americans upon learning of Lee's surrender and the impending end of the Civil War.