Appomattox: The Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia

by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Chamberlain’s poignant tale delves into one man’s first-hand account of the Battle of Appomattox Court House in April 1865. In the midst of a brutal battle, Confederate Army General Robert E. Lee rallies his exhausted, injured troops against General Ulysses S. Grant’s Union Army. In close coordination with Grant, Major General Philip Sheridan sends orders to the Cavalry Corps to guide the troops up to Appomattox Station, confident that victory is imminent. As Sheridan and Grant’s troops square across the enemy’s front, the hour has come that will determine whether each soldier lives or dies. Until a messenger arrives from General Lee with a single white towel, shaped into a flag, that has the potential to change everything. Having agreed on a brief truce, soldiers from both sides who previously had only one order – to destroy their opponents – are conversing amicably. As the truce comes to an end and Lee is nowhere to be seen, the soldiers prepare to put aside their new found friendships and resume the destruction they are, by now, so accustomed to. However, Lee and Grant soon arrive; after some discussion, Lee’s decision is made – his one chosen word will determine the course of this crucial moment in American history – surrender. As the troops unite with their opponents to laugh, share food and discuss the destruction that has dictated their existence for so long, they reflect on the lives of those who did not survive long enough to experience this miraculous moment. Finally, all troops lay down their weapons and face one another no longer as combatants, but as humans. Filled with vivid imagery, expert-storytelling and profound thoughts on war and surrender, Chamberlain’s historical narrative will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (1828-1914) was a college professor from Maine who volunteered for the Union Army in 1862. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg, he ended the war a Brevet Major General. A Republican, after the war he entered politics, serving four consecutive terms of office as the Governor of Maine.

Genres: History, Civil War, American Civil War, Nonfiction

19 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 1906

About the author

Chamberlain was a college professor at Bowdoin College before the U.S. Civil War. When the faculty refused him permission for a leave of absense so that he could enlist he took a sabbatical and enlisted anyway.

He played a Key role in the Battle of Gettysburg as depicted in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel about Gettysburg, The Killer Angels, and the movie based on that novel, Gettysburg (in which Chamberlain was played by actor Jeff Daniels, who repeated that role in the Gods and Generals prequel).

Chamberlain was later seriously wounded in the war and was propted to General but survived and went on to become governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College where he was proud to say that he eventually taught every course in their curriculum with the exception of mathematics

Reviews

[Russell G Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The culmination of years of struggle, strife, denial, death and

Sacrifice ends in a meeting of minds and men with peace as their objective. As a result peace did return to our troubled land and men returned to their homes.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This accounting of the end of the Civil War with the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia must have had some deep meaning for those who fought in the war he shares bittersweet recollections of the day that unfortunately don’t transfer well to our far removed time.

[Peter M. Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Read

Regardless of what you fell about J. L. Chamberlain, this is an interesting and short read. He gives his reasons for giving respect to the Confederates when laying down their arms. Then his listing of the regiments and commanders and then the battles they were in. A great first hand account of the end of the ANV. Definitely recommend reading for history buffs

[Ladory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very short (29 pages) accounting by Joshua Chamberlain himself of the last bit of the Civil War. His tone is rather exuberant that the war was over and he believed that the country would at last be united. I loved his optimism even while knowing his hopes never came to pass. I enjoyed reading this book.

[THOMAS WHALEN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did no meet expectations.

I read this under the impression it was an eyewitness account of the surrender inside the farm house at Appomattox. It is not. It is only a very brief description of what the author saw occurring in the Appomattox area before, during, and after Lee's surrender to Grant. Well written, but much too brief.

[Jessica Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

1910 when it comes out. Author is the hero of little round top at Gettysburg . Goes into the whole thing pretty much all that You can hope for on this topic. Most excellent work about this Historical event. I think it was worth a buck.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recounting of the time of surrender. It was touching and respectful.

[Gregory Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, first hand account of the CSA divisions surrendering their weapons and battle flags to General Chamberlain of Maine. Short but very informative.

[Dave Gahimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well to!d

Emotions of the moment brought to life

Each man, both sides realizing their their place in history.
Extreamly emotional to read.
Like being there

[Richard A. Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

A truly human side of the surrender.Respect for the defeated, honor to the Victors. A tale th reading and visualizing.

[John J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent account!

I was hoping for Chamberlain's thoughts and remembrances of the actual meeting between Lee and Grant (he was in the room), but this account was tremendous.

[STEVEN WOODS]

Gem of Simplicity

Appomattox is a gem of simplicity. It sets out the end of battle and surrender in clear, human terms everyone can understand.

[John Crotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt.

Short and heartfelt. Laurence Joshua Chamberlain might have been the only person alive who could write this for the ages.

[Kevin Rumsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent first person account of the surrender at Appomattox. Could be the most realistic, I have read. As I felt, I was there watching events unfold before my eyes.

Excellent first person account of the surrender at Appomattox. Could be the most realistic, I have read. As I felt the events were unfolding in front of me.

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

No one was better qualified to make this description. General Chamberlain, Commander of Union troops at the formal surrender of the Confederate army, presents his eye-witness account of the cessation of hostilities and the actual surrender. Well worth your time to read this piece of history.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very stirring!

[Michael H Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional history from a participant

....well written and vivid in description....

A true American hero - leader both in war and in peace. Great read!