Chapter 37

(Grant at desk, writing and looking over maps. Men at wall looking over maps. Officer speaks to General Grant.)

OFFICER: Two soldiers from General Buckner await outside, General Grant.

GRANT: Show them in.

(Enter soldiers with Union man. Soldier salutes).

SOLDIER: General Grant, General Buckner wishes to know on what terms you will consider the surrender of Fort Donelson.

GRANT: No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.

SOLDIER: Your answer will be given to General Buckner. Good bye, General Grant. (Salute).

GRANT: (Salute). Goodbye.

ROBERT E. LEE

INTRODUCTION:

Robert E. Lee was born in 1807, of an old aristocratic Virginia family; he graduated from West Point (1829) and spent thirty-two years in the regular army; he distinguished himself in the Mexican War.

Just before the Civil War broke out, he wrote to a friend: "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."

A few days after the fall of Fort Sumter, he was offered the command of the United States Army and declined it. He resigned and after Virginia seceded, accepted a Confederate commission. He took command of the Army of Northern Virginia June 1, 1862. He had great power over men and his soldiers had perfect confidence in "Uncle Robert."