What did grant say the confederate rebels had became following lees surrender?

After Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, Ulysses S. Grant noted that the Confederate rebels had effectively become "our countrymen" again. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation and healing, suggesting that former enemies should be treated with dignity and respect in order to foster national unity. Grant believed in moving forward together rather than seeking retribution against those who had fought for the Confederacy.