Grant and Lee

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) · 1865

This print depicts a meeting between Grant and Lee near Appomattox Courthouse on April 10, 1865, one day after Lee’s surrender. In the center of the scene, the two generals sit on horseback, amicably conversing with one another. They are flanked by two groups of Union officers on horseback, many of whom are identified at the bottom of the print. Large numbers of assembled troops are visible in the background. Also featured in the background is a two-story house, presumably the McClean House, where Lee signed the terms of surrender. Below the illustration, a caption clarifies that the print was based on an “Original Picture by Lieut. Col. Otto Botticher in the Possession of General Chas. G. Halpine of New York.” The artist, however, was not present for this historic event, and the scene is purely imaginary, as Grant and Lee only met inside of the McLean House to discuss the terms of surrender.