
“The war is over — the rebels are our countrymen again.”
Upon stopping his men from cheering after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House (9 April 1865).
1860s
Context: The war is over — the rebels are our countrymen again. The war is over, the Rebels are our countrymen again, and the best sign of rejoicing after the victory will be to abstain from all demonstrations in the field.