and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to
yield to overwhelming numbers and resources.

I need not tell the brave survivors of so 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 would compensate for the loss
that must have attended a 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 agreement, officers and men can return to their homes
and remain until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction
that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed,
and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his
blessing 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.

This grand farewell from the man who had in the past personified the
glory of his army and now bore its grief in his own great heart, was the
signal for tearful partings. Comrades wept as they gazed upon each
other, and with choking voices said, farewell! And so--they parted.
Little groups of two or three or four, without food, without money, but
with "the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty
faithfully performed," were soon plodding their way homeward.

CHAPTER IX.

"BRAVE SURVIVORS" HOMEWARD BOUND.

Bitter grief for the past, which seemed to be forever lost, and present
humiliation, could not long suppress the anxious thought and question,
"What now?" The discussion of the question brought relief from the
horrid feeling of vacuity which oppressed the soldier and introduced him
to the new sensations of liberty of choice, freedom of action--full
responsibility. For capital he had a clear conscience, a brave heart,
health, strength, and a good record. With these he sought his home.

Early in the morning of Wednesday, the 12th of April, without the
stirring drum or the bugle call of old, the camp awoke to the new life.
Whether or not they had a country these soldiers did not know. Home to
many, when they reached it, was graves and ashes. At any rate there must
be, somewhere on earth, a better place t