Category Archives: Virginia

The Confederate States of America

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Free and Salve States

Free and Salve States

The eleven states of the Confederacy listed in the order of their secession from the Union:

  • 1. South Carolina – December 20, 1860
  • 2. Mississippi – January 9, 1861
  • 3. Florida – January 10, 1861
  • 4. Alabama – January 11, 1861
  • 5. Georgia– January 19, 1861
  • 6. Louisiana – January 26, 1861
  • 7. Texas – February 1, 1861
  • 8. Virginia – April 17, 1861
  • 9. Arkansas – May 6, 1861
  • 10. North Carolina – May 20, 1861
  • 11. Tennessee – June 8, 1861

“I can anticipate no greater calamity for the country than a dissolution of the Union. It would be an accumulation of all the evils we complain of, and I am willing to sacrifice anything but honor for its preservation.”
… Robert E. Lee, from a letter of January 23, 1861. Despite these words from Robert E. Lee, his military leadership in the Civil War was not performed in the interest of preserving the Union.

“If the Union is dissolved, and the government disrupted, I shall return to my native state and share the miseries of my people, and save in defense will draw my sword no more.”
… Robert E. Lee, from a letter of January 23, 1861. Lee chose to draw his sword, he would lead the Army of Northern Virginia in the Civil War. Lee would take the Army of Northern Virginia on two offensive invasions into the North, first at Antietam in 1862, and then Gettysburg in 1863.

The states of the Confederacy listed alphabetically with their dates of secession:

  • 1. Alabama – January 11, 1861
  • 2. Arkansas – May 6, 1861
  • 3. Florida – January 10, 1861
  • 4. Georgia – January 19, 1861
  • 5. Louisiana – January 26, 1861
  • 6. Mississippi – January 9, 1861
  • 7. North Carolina – May 20, 1861
  • 8. South Carolina – December 20, 1860
  • 9. Tennessee – June 8, 1861
  • 10. Texas – February 1, 1861
  • 11. Virginia – April 17, 1861

“I, Robert E. Lee of Lexington, Virginia do solemn, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Union of the States thereafter, and that I will, in like manner, abide by and faithful support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves, so help me God.”
… Former Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s amnesty oath to the United States, October 2, 1865.

 

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General Robert E. Lee’s Farewell Order

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April 10, 1865

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee

After General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant on April 9, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia he issued the following to his army. Known officially as “General Orders No. 9, it is more commonly known as “General Robert E. Lee’s Farewell Order.” The Commander in Chief of the Confederate Army is saying goodbye to his loyal army.

General Robert E. Lee’s General Orders No. 9 – His Farewell Order

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865

General Orders No. 9

Appomattox Court House, Virginia

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage 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 some 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 could compensate for the loss that must have attended the 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 the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.
You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings 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.

RE Lee

Ulysses S. Grant’s General Order to the “Soldiers of the Armies of the United States”