"I Would Rather Die A Thousand Deaths"
limited to 50 signed and numbered giclee prints
16x20
 
On April 9, 1865, after learning that his army
had been unable to break through encircling
Union lines at the Battle of Appomattox Court 
House, General Robert E. Lee told his staff
that there was nothing left for him to do but
"go and see General Grant, and I would
rather die a thousand deaths."

After four years of bitter war against larger
armies and more advanced weaponry, the
famed Army of Northern Virginia had finally
been cornered in the fields and pastures
surrounding the little Virginia town of 
Appomattox Court House. Dramatically out-
numbered and cut off from any hope of
supply or reinforcement, Lee made one last
attempt to cut his way out. When the effort
failed, he sent a letter to General Ulysses S.
Grant requesting a meeting with the Union
commander.