“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” Abraham Lincoln
General Grant’s terms of surrender were very merciful. General Lee’s men would not be imprisoned or prosecuted for treason. The Officers were allowed to keep their horses, sidearms, and personal baggage. General Grant also allowed the defeated Confederates to take home their horses and mules to carry out the spring planting and provided Lee with a supply of food rations for his starving army. General Lee said noted that all of this would have a very happy effect among the men and do much toward reconciling the country.
