History Resources

Inside the Vault: Two Generals: George Washington and Robert E. Lee

by Gilder Lehrman Staff

Originally broadcast on April 17, 2020, this session of Inside the Vault: Highlights from the Gilder Lehrman Collection explores a letter from George Washington about becoming the first President of the United States in 1789 and General Robert E. Lee’s letter to General Ulysses Grant requesting a cease-fire to discuss terms of surrender. Lois MacMillan, the 2006 Gilder Lehrman Oregon History Teacher of the Year, and Vaughan Danvers, New York City public school teacher, joined the Gilder Lehrman curators in conversation. 

Click here to download the slides from the presentation.

Classroom-ready resources for the documents presented

Use the timestamps below to jump to the documents you want to view

  • Today’s documents: 3:35-4:19
  • Henry Knox: 4:20-4:57
  • Election of 1788: 4:48-7:10
  • George Washington’s letter about becoming the first President: 7:11-15:05
  • Rembrant Peale’s portrait of George Washington: 17:29-19:17
  • Q&A: 19:18-24:49
  • Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant: 24:50-26:17
  • The Siege of Petersburg: 26:18-28:08
  • The Surrender Letters: 28:09-29:50
  • General Robert E. Lee’s letter requesting a cease-fire: 29:51-37:25
  • Lee Surrenders: 37:26-39:52
  • Q&A: 39:53-47:56