How many soldiers was left when Lee surrendered?

When General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, he commanded approximately 28,000 troops. However, by the time of the surrender, the number of effective soldiers had dwindled significantly due to exhaustion, desertion, and casualties, with only about 8,000 able to participate in the surrender. Ultimately, Lee's army was greatly outnumbered and unable to continue the fight.