Introduction
America has had a history of civil wars and wars with other nations since the arrival of the first immigrant on that soil. Although it now enjoys great wealth and the pride of being the superpower, credit to revolutionary leaders like Abraham Lincoln who suppressed civil wars in his country, among others. This paper will attempt to discuss a time in America’s history (1865) when a peace deal was signed in McLean’s first-floor room at Appomattox courthouse Village, to put an end to the bloodiest of civil wars in the United States of America.
Surrender at Appomattox
By the year 1865, the last of the four-year civil war between the south and the northern states, General Grant had inflicted serious damage to the Northern Virginian army. He wanted them to surrender and stop bloodletting which was the order of the day. The south had wanted to break away from the country, mainly due to their slavery institution which was opposed by the northern states. This led to conflict bringing the two commanders against each other.
General Lee appeared reluctant to surrender to General Grant since he had no idea of the terms that would be given to him by Grant. He also did not want to show his weakness or hopelessness, as had been referred to in Grant’s first letter addressed to him on the 7th of April, 1865. It would have been a major blow to him as a leader; besides, it would have shown panic. General Lee also seemed not concerned by the call for surrender as in his view; there was no emergency call for it. He claimed to consider surrendering based on the effect of General Grant’s proposal on the forces of the Confederate state (Surrender at Appomattox par. 6).
A truce was called with the two parties finally reaching an agreement to meet, with a focus on the south surrendering. The description of the appearance of the two generals could have been due to the magnitude of the discussion beforehand, which had the course of the country at stake, and the fact that the two had met only on one occasion at Garland’s brigade as described by Grant (Surrender at Appomattox par. 13). Another reason was to let the reader visualize the spirit in the room, character, style, and personality of the two generals; it portrayed their confidence, experience, strength, and power. General Lee was depicted to be of more experience with his age than General Grant.
Conclusion
General Lee knew there was no otherwise and had in mind to secure the best possible package for his brave warriors, his early arrival to settle the matter once for all shows this fact. He was sad and disappointed and therefore frustrated in mind; this is well brought out after the meeting when he was lost in thoughts over his decision. He can also be referred to as a true professional, smart and a brave fellow, his attire attest to this, and the fact that General Grant and his officials paid their respect to him, General Lee is Sympathetic, this shows in his sadness and sympathy to his soldiers after the signing of the pact.
General Grant on the other hand is referred to as a rugged fellow as shown in his attire and beard, he is youthful, strong, casual, and visionary, the fact that he was winning the battle did not stop him from starting the negotiation, this makes him a peaceful, sympathetic and humble man. His mind was set on stopping innocent deaths and did what he could to fulfill it (Surrender at Appomattox par. 14)
Works Cited
“Surrender at Appomattox, 1865.” 1997. Web.