Does a list of people present at the McLean home in Appomattox Courthouse for the signing of the treaty with Lee and Grant?
Thanks in advance.
Rick Brown
HistoryBuff.com
A Nonprofit Organization
I am working from memory, and am at work so I don't have the book handy, but in 20 Days, doesn't it mention that Robert Lincoln and several others in attendance do not actually witness the surrender. Did the book show a photo of a rag doll that was left in the room by the owners of the house, that did "witness" the surrender.
It's on p19,
"Robert stayed outside on the porch of Mr. McLean's House on the main street of Appomattox Court House, Virginia, with the other young officers, and could not hear the sound of Grant's and Lee's voices inside, discussing the terms of the surrender. He was called in with the rest of the younger men to be presented to Lee when it was all over - but still did not hear his voice as Lee merely bowed. Then his friends picked up a rag doll that lay on the floor of the surrender room, forgotten in her haste by little Lulu McClean, and outside on the porch again and in the yard the young officers tossed the doll back and forth to each other, calling her the Silent Witness and wishing in their hearts they could have been as fortunate as the doll." (photo of the doll also on the page)
Many years ago, a member of the Surratt Society contributed an article on the rag doll to the Surratt Courier. My old brain just can't remember who the author was, but the story was very poignant.
I wonder how Robert got in possession of Gen. Lee's photo. If he himself gave it to Robert?
And I liked the idea that RTL was actually in the room for the surrender. Not as captivating of an account that he was merely outside on the porch.
A while back I discovered that Luther Byron Baker had a brother named Joseph Stannard Baker. In his diary he claims he was in the 1st DC Cavalry with his brother Luther and cousin Lafayette. He also claims that he was present at the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse McLean home for the signing. Looks as though Joseph may have created a few "tall tales?"
Rick Brown
HistoryBuff.com
A Nonprofit Organization
Doesn't look like he was in the house. Maybe his unit was camped near it?
Look at all of the people who claim that thier ancestors were on the"Mayflower".