The exercise of magnanimity and charity was as natural to
General Grant as breathing; and he demonstrated on this occasion
that the hand that wielded the sword was moved by kindness as
well as by patriotism. The prisoners of war, who so long lived
in hunger, now received abundant rations. So much kindness was
shown them that when the Union troops entered the city, both
sides “fraternized as if they had been fighting for the same
cause.” And when the Confederates passed out of town between two
lines of Federal soldiers, the scene was solemn and pathetic.
Under instructions from General Grant, not a cheer or a word
came from the conquerors that would humiliate the fallen foe or
give them pain.--NICHOLAS SMITH, “Grant, the Man of
Mystery.”
(1944)
* * * * *
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee witnessed the memorable meeting between
his uncle, Gen. Robert E. Lee, and Grant, and he frequently
exprest his appreciation of the magnanimity displayed by the
victorious commander on that occasion. The fact that General
Grant refrained from asking for Gen. Robert E. Lee’s sword made
a lasting impression on Fitzhugh Lee, who subsequently said:
“General Grant not only refrained from demanding my uncle’s
sword, as is customary, but he actually apologized to General
Lee for not having his own sword on at the time.” (Text.)
(1945)
See GOOD FOR EVIL.
=Magnanimity, A Boy’s=--See VICARIOUS SACRIFICE.
=Magnanimity, A Nation’s=--See AMERICA’S ATTITUDE.