Thomas Wright a young teenager starts his Diary in July 1858 America. Northern Kentucky, Mason county near the Town of Dover and Lees Creak. across the Ohio River the town of Ripley Ohio. Hot bed of Abolitionist movement. between befriending a slave...
Of all the events of the War, none were actually recorded as far as the stacking of arms and removal of public property from the Confederacy the battle flags and Guidons. This was talked of and written down years later. As the man in charge for the Union, Major General Joshua L. Chamberlain, of Main put it official recording keeping stopped at the signed agreement. The following comment comes from a Union Soldier the morning after the surrender agreement. It is a very interesting to see how both sides acted before the Confederacy even stacked arms, and headed home.
That night we slept as we had not slept in four years. There was of course, a great deal of unrestrained jubilation, but did not call for much to be of sufficiency, and before long the camp over which peace after strife had settled was sleeping with no fear of a night alarm. We woke next morning to find Confederates peering down into our faces, and involuntarily reached for our arms, but once the recollections of the previous days stirring events came crowding back to mind, all fear fled, and the boys in blue were soon commingling freely with the boys in gray, exchanging compliments pipes, tobacco, knives, and souvenirs.
If this recollection is true, then both sides were done and ready to go home. Be with family and friends, back to normal as could be normal.
General Chamberlain went on to explain Grant wanted a formal ceremony with a parade at the time of laying down of arms. A portion of the Army was to form up at Appomattox Court House, the Confederate Army to pass by them, exactly like they were in service to lay down arms. I was told further more, General Grant wanted me to take charge of these proceedings.
This is the formal surrender seen through Thomas and his thoughts of how his men acted.
12, April 1865
Taday, we formed up along the road, from the house that the peace agreement was signed. Waiting for the Army of Northern Virginia ta pass by. Befer they came we could see thum just formin up. The gray and some butternut brown movin in the distance. Battle flags Guidons fluttrerin in the breeze. Me an boys wonderin if it would ever start. The feelin I am, an my boys are a part of history. As General Gordon led the way, I could see one man beat like never befer. Head low eyes down. Why befer I knew it, and could give the order. Why my boys sprung to, salutin those boys that were in our front. I should say, those boys in gray returned the salute! My what a grand feelin.
General Gordon brought his horse to a bow, tipped his sword towards General Chamberlain. Both sides stood tall, as those ragged, tired souls past by us. A defeated Army past us, but one that still had dignity and honor. Some limped, drug a foot, others were helped along. Those boys were might fine bunch ta watch.
They fixed bayonets stacked they arms an cartridge belts any an all public property. Battle flags an Guidons lay among the stuff not stood in the ground just laid aside. Men wept over the old colors, others stood not knowing where ta go or what ta do. This took most of the day. I sent my boys on they way ta camp. Theo an I watched as each man got his parole paper and walked away. Some didn't leave others headed towards home.
Officers rode off on horses, some I think just weren't used ta bein with out some military structure, those looked lost.
13, April 1865
Seen a lot of fellas walkin home taday, they spirits a little higher. Some saluted or just waved, others they didn't look my way at all. Those boys, why they headed home I am here till the end, when ever that may come. Told my boys, they had the day off, but they best be ready, War ain't done yet, may just have ta take on that Johnston fella. I just hope it don't come ta that. Been thinkin on that stackin of arms yesterday, been nice ta see that Bobby Lee up front takin his men inta surrender, well Grant wasn't around so I reckon it weren't wrong. Guess best get some rest, band just played tattoo.
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Oil panting at West Point of the Formal surrender Re-enacted stacking of Arms, Appomattox Court House.
Chamberlain said the colors and Guidon were just laid on the ground. They may have been, I think maybe his memory is wrong or some were done that way out of disgust. What happened in Thomas's words were from Chamberlain's memories like I said no one recorded what happened.
I know a short chapter, I think that covered it.
What is up next for Thomas?
Do you think he is headed home?
Maybe he is stuck till Johnston surrenders. Thanks all for the support.
