On This Day In History

 

1. He didn’t smoke, drink, cuss or raise his voice.

   Part of healing from war is learning to value your opponents—Rommel, Yamomoto.
   It’s surprising how many of the Brothers in my old outfit, Delta Company, are married to Asians.

   Posted by Oink       04/10/2006  at  09:30 AM  



2. Comrades,

   Actually, the entire address is this:

   “After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Norther Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

   I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them.

   But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I 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 a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings 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 all an affectionate farewell.”

   R.E. Lee
   Genl

   It’s still a moving trubute from a man to his men, and also, retrospectively, of the author himself.

   That a nation, even so divided amongst it’s people, can still produce such warriors and such respect, speaks volumes not only for them, but for the nation that calls them their own.

   Respects,

   Gwedd

   Posted by Gwedd       04/10/2006  at  01:41 PM  



3. At the Appomattox surrender, General Grant was magnanimous & also deserves credit.  Grant showed up dressed like ‘Joeshit TheRagman’**—having just come from war; Lee appeared as if dressed for a West Point parade.

   Grant was very respectful, praised his enemy, & gave very generous terms.  You gotta remember that this was after four years of unsurpassed slaughter and bitterness.

   **I’ve never heard this term outside of a USMC context --someone who is extremely slovenly in his person and uniform.  Usually hyperbole.

   Posted by Oink       04/10/2006  at  03:11 PM  



4. .....and where today are the men and women of such caliber?  I just got done reading a bit by Chuck Schumer - gag.  The latest from Ted Kennedy - gag.  It’s a little too easy to feel hopeless about the future of a country where “Me First”, spin doctoring and cheap sensationalism seem to outrank integrity and thought.

   Posted by Dr. Jeff       04/10/2006  at  11:27 PM  



5. "Lee appeared as if dressed for a West Point parade.”

   The immaculate uniform Lee wore that day is on display at the Confederate Museum in downtown Richmond, along with uniforms from Stuart, Jackson and many others, from generals to privates.  What is surprising when you come upon it, is that while Lee was tall, about 6’, his frame was very small, the uniform being very, very narrow-shouldered, almost like it was made for a boy.  Most of the rest of the uniforms have narrow shoulders and small necks as well.

   Stuart’s famous feathered hat and his humongous LeMat pistol are there, and also the raincoat Jackson was wearing when he was shot by his own men. The clothing and personal effects on display from dozens of soldiers are probably unique in the country, making the museum and adjoining Confederate White House well worth a visit.

   Posted by dick       04/11/2006  at  12:32 AM  

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