Paroling the Army of Northern Virginia
Parole Pass of Corporal Lewis McDonald it was agreed each Confederate would be provided with an individual parole pass certifying that the men would not take up arms against the United States. Per Grant's instructions these passes could aid the former Confederates during their journey home, allowing them to use federal transportation (ships and trains where available) or to draw food and supplies from federally controlled stations in the South. Approximately 30,000 blank passes were printed at the Clover Hill Tavern. After the Confederates surrendered their military equipment, they were eligible to receive the pass. Some higher ranking Confederates were paroled by Federal officers, but most passes were signed by Confederate officers for the men in their commands. Attached is an alphabetical listing of soldiers that were paroled at Appomattox Court House. If you have questions regarding the parole listings, please contact us. |
Did You Know?
As General Lee left the McLean House, according to History of the 198th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, “one of our bands, near by, through the generous impulse of the moment, struck up the appropriate air of Auld Lang Syne.” (Original instrument is exhibited at Appomattox Court House NHP.)