May 13, 1865
| On May 13, 1865 at a place called Palmito Ranch (also called Palmito Hill or Palmetto Ranch, and possibly other variations) near the Rio Grande River in Texas, there is a skirmish between Confederate and Union troops. This skirmish is recognized as the last military action of the Civil War.
Palmito Ranch was a Confederate victory, but it had no effect on the outcome of the Civil War. |
May 11, 1863
General Robert E. Lee informs his Army of Northern Virginia of General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson’s death with General Orders, Number 61:
Robert E. Lee
May 11, 1863.
With deep grief the commanding general announces to the army the death of Lieut. Gen. T. J. Jackson, who expired on the 10th instant, at 3.15 p.m. The daring, skill, and energy of this great and good soldier, by the decree of an all-wise Providence, are now lost to us. But while we mourn his death, we feel that his spirit still lives, and will inspire the whole army with his indomitable courage and unshaken confidence in God as our hope and our strength. Let his name be a watchword to his corps, who have followed him to victory on so many fields. Let officers and soldiers emulate his invincible determination to do everything in the defense of our beloved country.
R. E. LEE,
General.