On account of that my days with the Army are numbered.. I feel promted looking back.. Farewell to the Army, some 148 years ago:

    "

Duty is the most sublime word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less."***"Their sleepless, bloodshot eyes were turned to me.Their flags hung black against the pelting sky. Their jests and curses echoed whisperingly, As though from long-lost years of sorrow - Why,You're weeping! What, then? What more did you see? A gray man on a gray horse rode by. — Passage from Traveller, a novel by Richard Adams

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"After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen.

 By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell." 

Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia* by Robert E. Lee: