Then came the final dramatic scene at the historic surrender at Appomattox. Lee had come to discuss terms with him, and now stood awaiting his arrival, erect, courtly, handsome—the typical Southern gentleman that he was. Down the road came riding a gaunt-looking man, with the familiar stoop-shoulders, and mud-bespattered trousers and boots. It was the general-in-chief on his way to greet his beaten foe!
The two men looked each other in the eye, then clasped hands like old friends. Grant recalled the days of the Mexican campaign, and was surprised that Lee knew so much about him in those days. He wanted to talk old times, and Lee himself brought up the subject of surrender.
Grant took his seat at a table and wrote out the simple and generous terms which allowed officers and men to return to their homes, on giving their word not to take up arms against the United States government again.
Lee's fine, dignified features softened as he read the terms—so much more magnanimous than he had dared to hope.
"My men are nearly starving," he began—
"What do you need?" interrupted Grant; and gave instant orders that the defeated army should be supplied with rations.
"Tell the boys to go home and go to work," he said.
That was Grant.
IMPORTANT DATES IN GRANT'S LIFE
1822. April 27. Ulysses Simpson Grant born.
1839. Received appointment to U. S. Military Academy, West Point.
1843. Graduated.
1845. Went as second-lieutenant to join Taylor's forces in Mexico.
1848. Brevetted captain for gallantry.
1848. Married Julia T. Dent.
1854. Resigned his army commission.
1861. Re-entered army at outbreak of Civil War. Commissioned
colonel, then brigadier-general.
1863. Made major-general.
1864. Given supreme command of the Union forces, with rank
of lieutenant-general.
1866. The grade of general created for first time, and
conferred on him.
1868. Elected President.
1885. July 23. Died at Mt. McGregor, New York.