Category Archives: Army of Northern Virginia

The Confederate Conscription Act

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The Confederacy enacted the first American military draft on April 16, 1862.

Rebel Soldier

Rebel Soldier

All healthy white men between the ages of 18 and 35 were liable for a three-year term of service in the Confederate Army. All soldiers already in the army for one-year terms now had their length of enlistment extended to three years. In September of 1862, the upper age limit raised to age 45. The age limits expanded to the age range between 17 and 50 in February of 1864.

The Conscription Act of the Confederacy permitted a draftee to hire a substitute to take his place, but the hiring of draft substitutes stopped in December of 1863. If you worked in certain occupations, you were exempt from the draft. Railroad workers, river workers, civil officials, telegraph operators, miners, druggists, and teachers were exempt.

Men working in these occupations were needed more on the home front than on the battlefield. During October, the Confederate Congress amended the draft law and anyone who owned 20 or more slaves was exempt from the draft.

General Robert E. Lee’s Farewell Order

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April 10, 1865

Robert E. Lee

Robert E. Lee

After General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to General Grant on April 9, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia he issued the following to his army. Known officially as “General Orders No. 9, it is more commonly known as “General Robert E. Lee’s Farewell Order.” The Commander in Chief of the Confederate Army is saying goodbye to his loyal army.

General Robert E. Lee’s General Orders No. 9 – His Farewell Order

Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, 10th April 1865

General Orders No. 9

Appomattox Court House, Virginia

After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the brave survivors of some many hard fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them. But feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that must have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged.
You will take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from a consciousness of duty faithfully performed; and I earnestly pray that a Merciful God will extend to you His blessings and protection.

With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your Country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration for myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.

RE Lee

Ulysses S. Grant’s General Order to the “Soldiers of the Armies of the United States”