The Terms of Surrender

Robert E. Lee

Grant's terms of surrender were generous.  Confederate solders could go home if they promised to fight no longer.  They could take with them their own horses and mules, which they would need for spring plowing.  Officers could keep their swords and weapons.  Grant also ordered that food be sent to Lee's half starved men.  Lee accepted the terms.

As Lee returned to his headquarters, Union troops began to shoot their guns and cheer wildly.  Grant told them to stop celebrating.  "the war is over," he said, "the rebels are our countrymen again."