Grant and the Lessons of Appomattox

[Iwillnevergiveup]

http://www.perrspectives.com/blog/archives/002150.htm

Sentiment and leadership from 150 years ago raise issues and examples for us today.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

1. Enactors and revisionists - NO!

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"But while the anniversary of the start of the Civil War will sadly showcase the seemingly inextinguishable Southern heritage and perpetual sense of grievance, its end instead reflects a noble spirit of generosity, national unity and brotherhood. When Ulysses Grant accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee's army 146 years ago today at Appomattox, he set an enduring example for all Americans then and now to emulate."

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[Iwillnevergiveup]

2. But this...

##snip##

"As President, Ulysses Grant continued to offer not recriminations or retribution but respect to Southern sensibilities. In 1869, several Congressmen sought to add to Capitol rotunda a huge mural depicting Lee surrendering to Grant at Appomattox. As authors Harold Holzer and Gabor Boritt wrote, Grant would have none of it. "He said he would never take part in producing a picture that commemorated a victory in which his own countrymen were losers." Grant is said to have remarked:

"No, gentlemen, it won't do. No power on earth will make me agree to your proposal. I will not humiliate General Lee or our Southern friends in depicting their humiliation and then celebrating the event in the nation's capitol."

If only that largeness of spirit were reciprocated south of the Mason-Dixon line.

##snip##

[era veteran]

5. If only Grant's largeness of spirit was embraced by the

North.
I have lived in the South all my life except for 3 years in Germany. The spirit you speak of sure was NOT PRACTICED by the North in the years after the War. Surely you have heard of the horrors of the Reconstruction. I now live in a State that did not secede from the Union but still went through it.
If only Yankees that spout BS would understand the history of the post war years.
Of course, even on the DU it is ok to degenerate Southerners. Pathetic & judgmental.

[keopeli]

3. To this day, many southerners will not carry a $50 bill because it depicts Grant.

When Republicons recently suggested using Reagan on the face of a bill, guess which bill was recommended and why.

Disclaimer: I'm both a Texan and a distant relative of President Grant. (lol)

[provis99]

4. they recommended replacing Hamilton. You got it wrong.