ebooks The Mississippi River Campaign; 1861-1863: The Struggle for Control of the Western Waters by Benton Rain Patterson in History

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Joshua L. Chamberlain of Maine and John B. Gordon of Georgia led the Union and Confederate armies; respectively; at the formal surrender ceremony at Appomattox Courthouse; Virginia; on April 12; 1865. In one of the most dramatic and memorable moments of the Civil War; as the Confederate soldiers marched through the Union lines to stack their weapons and flags; Chamberlain; moved by the historic moment and desiring to pay honor to a valiant; defeated foe; ordered his Union soldiers to salute Gordon's Confederates. Gordon; surprised but stirred by the same emotion; immediately responded; and ordered his men to return the salute. Both men had volunteered for military service; feeling a strong need to fight for their respective causes. They entered military service as low level officers with no formal military training. Repeatedly; they exhibited exceptional aptitude and responsibility; rising through the ranks as they received the glowing accolades of their superiors. Yet; they remained humble; continually demonstrating extraordinary courage; which earned them the respect of their men. Ultimately; their heroism and leadership culminated in their meeting as the commanders at the Appomattox Courthouse surrender. After the war; Chamberlain and Gordon entered politics in their respective states.