July 31, 1865---"Final surrender"

JULY 31, 1865:                    

Robert E. Lee writes to his former aide Walter H. Taylor about compiling the history of  The Army of Northern Virginia:

My dear Colonel:

I am desirous that the bravery of the Army of N. Va shall be correctly transmitted to posterity.  This is the only tribute that can be paid to the worth of its noble officers & soldiers, & I am anxious to collect the necessary data for the history of the campaigns in Virginia from the commencement of its organization to its final surrender.