Parole passes were issued to Confederate soldiers after the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia to show that they were paroled prisoners of war with the right to travel home. Many of the passes survived because they became cherished tangible evidence that the bearer had been among the steadfast at Appomattox.
Did You Know?
As General Lee left the McLean House, following the meeting, “one of our bands, near by, through the generous impulse of the moment, struck up the appropriate air of Auld Lang Syne.” History of the 198th Pennsylvania Volunteers. * Original instrument exhibited at Appomattox Court House NHP.