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The meeting at the Magee Farm saw General Richard Taylor and General E. R. S.
Canby agree to a cease fire prior to the surrender of the last organized Confederate
forces east of the Mississippi.
On the morning of April 29, 1865 the historic meeting occurred. The Magee Farm was
to be the stage for the negotiations of peace between North and South.Union General
Canby arrived by train with a brigade of troops numbering around 1800 men,
complete with a military band. The Federal contingent, were attired in their best dress
uniforms, and were said to cut a dashing image.
Canby agree to a cease fire prior to the surrender of the last organized Confederate
forces east of the Mississippi.
On the morning of April 29, 1865 the historic meeting occurred. The Magee Farm was
to be the stage for the negotiations of peace between North and South.Union General
Canby arrived by train with a brigade of troops numbering around 1800 men,
complete with a military band. The Federal contingent, were attired in their best dress
uniforms, and were said to cut a dashing image.
Several hours later Confederate General Taylor (Son of president Zachary Taylor)
arrived standing on the back of a railroad push cart, powered by two black servants.
He was accompanied by a single military aide, Colonel Myers. Both General Taylor
and his aide's uniforms were soiled, tattered and both men looked very worn, but
none the less, they approached with military bearing, and heads held high, looking
their foe directly in the eyes. It was suggested that the party retire to the comfort of
the Magee home, after a cordial greeting.
The Generals, along with one aide each, went into the parlor, and with the doors shut,
discussed and agreed to a cease fire. The entire matter took just over ten minutes or
so. They then proceeded to the dining room, where Champagne had been prepared.
The Union band struck up the melody of "Hail Columbia", General Canby dispatched
orders for them to play "Dixie", but General Taylor intervened, and said that perhaps
"Hail Columbia" would be more suitable for the future.
As the champagne bottles were uncorked, General Taylor said, that it was the most
pleasant popping sound he had heard in the last four years. They then toasted the
event, and a meal was served, which was most welcomed by all in attendance. After
some small talk, General Taylor and his aide left for his Headquarters in Meridian,
Mississippi.
General Canby then returned back to Mobile. After much discussion by couriers and
telegraph, a final date was set, and the Confederate forces under General Taylor's
command, surrendered at Citronelle, Alabama on May 4, 1865.
arrived standing on the back of a railroad push cart, powered by two black servants.
He was accompanied by a single military aide, Colonel Myers. Both General Taylor
and his aide's uniforms were soiled, tattered and both men looked very worn, but
none the less, they approached with military bearing, and heads held high, looking
their foe directly in the eyes. It was suggested that the party retire to the comfort of
the Magee home, after a cordial greeting.
The Generals, along with one aide each, went into the parlor, and with the doors shut,
discussed and agreed to a cease fire. The entire matter took just over ten minutes or
so. They then proceeded to the dining room, where Champagne had been prepared.
The Union band struck up the melody of "Hail Columbia", General Canby dispatched
orders for them to play "Dixie", but General Taylor intervened, and said that perhaps
"Hail Columbia" would be more suitable for the future.
As the champagne bottles were uncorked, General Taylor said, that it was the most
pleasant popping sound he had heard in the last four years. They then toasted the
event, and a meal was served, which was most welcomed by all in attendance. After
some small talk, General Taylor and his aide left for his Headquarters in Meridian,
Mississippi.
General Canby then returned back to Mobile. After much discussion by couriers and
telegraph, a final date was set, and the Confederate forces under General Taylor's
command, surrendered at Citronelle, Alabama on May 4, 1865.
