Physical Description
Caned arm chair. Small spool-turned table. Leather backed rolling chair with inscription reading, “This is the chair in which Genl. U. S. Grant sat when he signed the Articles of Capitulation resulting in the surrender of the Confederate Army by Genl. R. E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th, 1865."
Specific History
General Lee's cane chair was acquired by General E.W. Whitaker and remained in his possession until 3 November 1871 when he presented it to the Nathaniel Lyon Post, Grand Army of the Republic, to be awarded to the person selling the most tickets for a benefit performance. After selling ninety-six tickets, Captain Patrick O'Farrell became the owner. His widow donated the chair in 1915.
Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan presented the table to Elizabeth Custer, widow of Major General George Custer. In 1912 she lent the table to the Smithsonian and in 1936, according to her will, the loan became a bequest.
General Henry Capehart of the U.S.S. volunteers acquired Grant's chair. In 1893 he gave it to General Wilmont Blackmar who bequeathed it in his will.
General History
The surrender document of 9 April 1865 read, "We, the undersigned Prisoners of War, belonging to the Army of Northern Virginia, having been this day surrendered by General Robert E. Lee, C.S.A., Commanding said Army to Lieut. Genl. U. S. Grant, Commanding Armies of United States, do hereby give our solemn parole of honor that we will not hereafter serve in the armies of the Confederate States or in any military capacity whatever, against the United States of America or under aid to the enemies of the latter, until properly exchanged in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities. Done at Appomattox Court House, Va. this 9th day of April, 1865. R. E. Lee, Genl. W. H. Taylor, Lt. Colonel Charles S. Venaber, Lt. Col. adjutant Charles Marshal, Lt. Col. & Inspector General W. E. Pentin, Lt. Col. Gilbert B. Cooke, Major H. S. Young, Major The within named men will not be disturbed by United States authorities, so long as they observe their parole and the laws in force where they may reside."
