New Day at Appomattox
April 10, 1865 |
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Special Remarque on Artist
Proof Only
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Spring showers had brought new life to the Appomattox countryside,
and the morning of April 10, 1865 found General Robert E. Lee in
his tent preparing for the new day and a new beginning. The day
before had been a sad one for Lee as he had surrendered the Army
of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant and the Federal Army.
Shortly after 9 o'clock, word came to General Lee that General
Grant had ridden over from the courthouse to meet with Lee, and
had been stopped by Confederate pickets. Chagrined that his pickets
had not shown the proper respect to the commander of the Federal
Army, Lee quickly threw on a military overcoat, and mounted his
horse Traveller. From a distance Lee saw a white flag and the
familiar US flag, and quickly galloped over to meet Grant. Grant
was accompanied by a number of Federal Generals including Major
General Philip H. Sheridan.
Lee lifted his hat in greeting as Grant did the same and the
two shook hands. After a moment of greeting, the other officers
attending Grant politely withdrew just out of earshot in a semicircle
around the two great commanders. The purpose of Grant's meeting
was to establish peace, and end the fighting across the whole
nation. Grant wished Lee to use his influence with other Confederate
armies to end the war. Lee politely said that he could not advise
the remaining Confederate commands without first consulting President
Jefferson Davis. Grant understood Lee's position and did not attempt
to persuade him. The meeting lasted about half an hour.
As Lee prepared to bid farewell to Grant, several of the Federal
Generals asked if they might be allowed to go into the Confederate
camp and visit some of their old army friends. Lee immediately
gave his permission, and a new beginning of cooperation and healing
for the nation began.
Artist's Comments
When I read the accounts of the meeting between Lee and Grant
on the day after the surrender at the Appomattox courthouse I
knew that it would make a great painting. Even one of General
Grant's staff officers, Col. Ely S. Parker, who was in attendance
remarked that it was a "pretty sight; it was a pity there was
no artist to record it." From right to left the Federal officers
featured in the painting are: Major General Philip H. Sheridan,
Col. Ely S. Parker, Inspector General Seth Williams, Major General
John Gibbon, and Brigadier General Rufus Ingalls.
750 Limited Edition Numbered and Signed
75 Artist's Proofs
Numbered and Signed
Image Size: 19" x 28 1/4".
Overall Size: 23 1/2" x 33 1/4"
15 S/N Executive
Archival Paper Giclées
Image Size 30" x 45"
This print may still be available on
the secondary market. Please call 817-560-2143 or
contact us through our website for
more information |
