06/02/2026
On June 2, 1865, a week after the Grand Review of the Armies, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-Chief, issued a farewell message to the tens of thousands of US soldiers mustering out of service from army headquarters in Washington DC. Grant honored the soldiers’ service and sacrifice and made clear that the institution of slavery--its protection and potential expansion--was "the cause and pretext of the rebellion." Within days, the majority of the volunteer soldiers were civilians once again, but not all.
"Washington, D. C., June 2, 1865.
SOLDIERS OF THE ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES:
By your patriotic devotion to your country in the hour of danger and alarms-your magnificent fighting, bravery, and endurance-you have maintained the supremacy of the Union and the Constitution, overthrown all armed opposition to the enforcement of the laws, and of the proclamation forever abolishing slavery-the cause and pretext of the rebellion-and opened the way to the rightful authorities to restore order and inaugurate peace on a permanent and enduring basis on every foot of American soil.
Your marches, sieges, and battles, in distance, duration, resolution, and brilliancy of result dim the luster of the world's past military achievements, and will be the patriot's precedent in defense of liberty and right in all time to come.
In obedience to your country's call you left your homes and families and volunteered in its defense. Victory has crowned your valor and secured the purpose of your patriot hearts, and with the gratitude of your countrymen, and the highest honors a great and free nation can accord, you will soon be permitted to return to your homes and families conscious of having discharged the highest duty of American citizens. To achieve these glorious triumphs, and secure to yourselves, your fellow-countrymen, and posterity the blessings of free institutions tens of thousands of your gallant comrades have fallen and sealed the priceless legacy with their lives. The graves of these a grateful nation bedews with tears, honors their memories, and will ever cherish and support their stricken families.
U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General."
50,000 soldiers remained in service, including over 20,000 US Colored Troops [USCT], who were making the long and arduous journey from Virginia and other states to Texas, arriving in late June 1865. The USCTs included thousands of Black Kentuckians recruited and trained across the state, notably the 114th US Colored Infantry and 116th US Colored Infantry from Camp Nelson.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
General Grant National Memorial
IMAGE: Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-Chief US Army, May 1865. Courtesy: The Library of Congress
