James Symington Interview (The Civil War)

To me, the most memorable commentary in Ken Burns' series was that of former Congressman, still alive at age 94, James Symington on the scene between Lee and Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. Mr. Symington, so handsome, is filmed in brilliant lighting that creates an aura. He has an affecting elocution and movingly recreates the scene. Symington is the great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln's personal secretary, John Hay. Before Congress Symington entered the Foreign Service in 1958. He was detached to London as an assistant to the United States Ambassador to the Court of St James's...John Hay Whitney.

The entirety of the interviews of Mr. Symington are found here. At 1:05:15 Mr. Symington plays the guitar and sings John Brown's Body. For just the Appomattox portion go to 41:03.