Sailor's Creek and the surrender at Appomattox Court House
Excerpts from Oliver Edwards unpublished manuscript My Recollections of the Civil War:
Being on duty as General Officer of the day, I had no staff but one Orderly and it was nearly an hour after Major Towne surrendered the city in the name of the civil authorities, before I could report to Gen. Wright, and this enabled the 9th Corps to get their report of the surrender in ahead of me. Soon after entering Petersburgh, I learned that Gen. Lee left Petersburgh only a few minutes before we entered, and that Richmond was evacuated, Lee retreating south, and Jeff. Davis, and cabinet, seeking safety in flight. As soon as Gen. Lee found that we were inside his lines, and that he could not dislodge us, he wired to Jeff. Davis at Richmond that the Capital must be evacuated, and all night the rebel government was going to pieces, its members seeking safety in flight. Davis and his cabinet left Richmond, at 2 P.M. April 2nd; Davis was attending services in church Sunday morning, April 2nd, when he received Lee’s dispatch that Richmond must be evacuated; the services were discontinued, and the congregation dismissed.
Lee now sought to assemble his army at Amelia Court House and then to join Gen. Johnston in North Carolina; Sheridan with his army of the James moved south on the South Side railroad, rebuilding the road to Burke’s Station, changing the guage from 5 ft. to 4 ft. 8 ½ in. to fit our rolling stock.
Gen. Weitzel took possession of Richmond at 8.15 A.M. April 3rd. The city had been fired by the enemy in two places, and Weitzel’s troops had hard work to put out the fires.
On the 4th Grant learned that Lee had abandoned his attempts to retreat south by the Danville route, and was moving south west to Farmville, having ordered up rations for his army from Danville. The army of the Potomac seized Jetersville, and Lee assembled his army at Amelia Court House. Sheridan urged Meade to attack, but Meade declined to attack until his whole army was up, and Sheridan sent several despatches to General Grant urging his presence on the field, as he was confident that Lee’s army could be captured and knew they were out of rations and badly demoralized. The army of the Potomac had made forced marches over bad muddy roads to cut Lee off from his retreat south to join Johnston; they would not halt for the supply trains to reach them, though out of rations; so determined were the men not to let Lee get away, that they were willing to go hungry rather than to delay.
With all General Grant’s splendid generalship and the brilliant dash of Sheridan, yet General Lee would not have been forced to surrender at Appomattox had it not been for the grand morale of the army - rank and file - ready to pursue night and day without rations, and with little rest. Sailor Creek - a small stream with narrow, swampy bottom and high ground on both sides, empties into the Appomattox between High Bridge and Jetersville, its course being northward. Lee’s wagon train was guarded by Ewell’s Corps, and Sheridan attacked this train at Sailor’s Creek April 6th. Ewell in strong position on Sailor’s Creek repulsed the cavalry attack, and Sheridan ordered the 6th Corps - which was following his movements - to form to attack Ewell. My brigade was guarding the trains that day, and were about two miles from Sailor’s Creek, when an orderly handed me an order from Gen. Sheridan for me to leave the trains, and report to him with my brigade on the Field, stating that Penrose Brigade would be sent form the front to guard the train. The Orderly acted as guide, and in the shorted possible time we reported to Gen. Sheridan at Sailor’s Creek and said; “The enemy are there, I want you to form your brigade in one line, cross the creek, and carry the heights.” I asked him if my flanks would be covered, and he said; “Never mind your flanks. Go through them. They are demoralized as h---“
We charged across the stream with mud and water up the waists of my lads- under a hot point blank fire, and we carried the first rise bringing us to the foot of the heights, held by the enemy in two strong lines of battle in close order. The ground in front and to my right, was covered with a second growth of pine, so close that it was difficult to see but a few yards. I sent Sergt. Cameron and ten men of the 5th Wisconsin - as a post of observation - 200 yards to my right, and front, Lieut. Gen. Ewell in command of the enemy was worried about his exposed left,- as was I as to my exposed right- and we has was reconnitreing to his left, and front, accompanied only by his staff.
Sergt. Cameron from his post of observation saw the approach of Ewell and Staff; Cameron ordered his men to lie low, and Ewell rode up close when Cameron and his men unmasked, and with their guns pointed, demanded the surrender of Ewell and staff. Ewell replied; “I am Lieut. Gen. Ewell. I desire to surrender to a commissioned officer”, to which Sergt. Cameron responded; “I am Sergt. Cameron; get off that horse.” and Ewell explained that he had but one leg, and was fastened by a strap to his horse. Sergt. Cameron sent in his prisoners, and they spent the ngiht at Gen. Wright’s headquarters.
Meanwhile in advancing up the heights, the 49th Penna and 2nd R.I. came under heavy fire from our own batteries posted on the opposite heights, and Lieut. Col. Hickman of the 49th ordered his regiment to retreat down the hill. The 49th and 2nd R.I. understanding this to be an order from competent authority fell back to the foot of the heights, and Gen. Custis Lee leading one of his brigades, closed en masse in a charge through the gap in my lines; this left the 37th Mass. infantry cut off on my extreme left. The 37th commanded by Maj. Archibald Hopkins, and numbered but little over 300 men; this fine regiment with perfect confidence in themselves and in their Spencer repeaters- changed front forward to their right, coming directly in contact with the right flank of Lee’s brigade, so close that the sword and the bayonet were both in use. Major Hopkins killed an officer with his sword. The flank fire of the 37th from the magazine guns at close quarters cut down the mass of Lee’s men. General Custis Lee was really captured by Corporal David White of Company E. though his reply to the demand for his surrender was “tut, tut, man, I wish to surrender to a commissioned officer.” The Colonel next in command was in the act of handing his sword to Adjutant Bradley when seeing how small was the command, opposed to him, he drew back his sword and attacked the adjutant with his pistol. Bradley grappled with his foe - though wounded by his pistol shot - and they rolled into a hollow, where surrounded by rebels, Bradley was shot through the thigh, when Samuel E. Eddy, private Company D. shot the rebel Colonel as he was about to shoot Bradley through the head with his pistol; a rebel- who saw the man who killed his colonel- put his bayonet through private Eddy’s body, the bayonet passing through his lung, and coming out near his spine. Eddy dropped his gun and tore the bayonet out of his body; then in hand-to-hand struggle with his foe temporarily disabled him and crawled to his gun, and with it killed his antagonist. The thick smoke covered this desperate hand-to-hand fight, which ended in the surrender of all that was left of Lee’s charging column.
The annals of the “War of the Rebellion” will hardly show the parallel of this heroic fight of Major Hopkins, and the 37th Massachusetts regiment of 300 men; this struggle lasted but a few minutes, and the 49th Penna and the 2nd R.I. advanced at once on ordered up the heights which they never would have abandoned had it not been for the unauthorized orders of Col. Hickman.
The enemy in front of the 5th Wis. and 82nd Penna now waved white handkerchiefs which I believed meant surrender, and ordered these regiments to cease firing, while I, accompanied by Major E.A. Londell, and Orderly Beers, rode in front, When we reached the point where the white signals were, we were within a few yards of the enemy’s extreme left of two lines of battle; the front line was kneeling down, and the second lying down, with their left resting on a deep ravine or gully that angled down the heights, passing through my line near my left. We were too close to the enemy’s line to have any chance to get away by direct retreat, and our only change was to go ahead, and bluff it out if we could,, or jump our horses into the ravine (which was deep enough to cover horse and man) and make a dahs down it, for the left of our line.
Riding up to the enemy’s left, I asked for the commanding officer when a manly fine looking officer stepped to the front. I introduced myself, stating that I had come over to receive his surrender, he declined - introducing himself as Colonel R. T. W. Duke - on the grounds that they had no order to surrender. I told him he had better surrender to avoid useless effusion of blood, that I had General Ewell and Curtis Lee’s prisoners, that Sheridan’s cavalry was in their rear, and that the 6th Corps in their front, that they were surrounded, but Col. Duke still declined to surrender, when I demanded time to return to my line which he denied, demanding my surrender, which I answered by saying we did not know what that meant just then, over our way, and asking if he intended firing on me while I was returning to my line.
Col. Duke said; “I will not give you any definite time,” when I bid him good bye saying I hoped we would meet under pleasanter circumstances, sand slowing recrossed the ravine, and returned to my lines, having seen the enemy’s left, having ascertained that it was entirely exposed, as the ravine afforded no real protection and that there was no enemy in front of the 3rd division on my right. I requested Col. Truax commanding the left Brigade, of the 3rd Div. to change front forward to his left, and charge on Col. Duke’s left and rear, while I charged his front. Col. Truax objected to this, wanting the orders of his Division Commander, Gen. Seymour; there was no time to get such orders, and I asked Col. Truax to take my position and I would make the flank attack. Col. Truax finally agreed to accept my order, and make the flank attack, provided I would promise to assume all responsibility therefor if he got into trouble. This I readily agreed to, and he made the flank attack while I charged in front, and this closed the battle of Sailor’s Creek, with the surrender of the last of Ewell’s Corps, Hamblin’s Brigade of the 1st division, and the 2nd division of the 6th Corps, had some fighting to my left which I did not see, and am not posted on, but the main fight fell on my brigade, as the loss of more than half of the killed and wounded of the 6th Corps showed.
The 6th Corps now remained subject to Sheridan’s orders until the last scene - Lee’s surrender of the Appomattox, Lee’s army had been melting away, half starved, nothing to eat, and no hope, his army diminished rapidly, but those that remained would fight as heroically and determinedly to the last as did Custis Lee, Barton, and Col. R. T. W. Duke at Sailor’s Creek.
The demoralization was in those that abandoned Lee, not in those who remained with him.
On April 7th, General Grant wrote to General Lee as follows;-
“Head Quarters Armies of the U.S. 5 P.M., April 7th, 1865- Gen. R.G. Lee Commanding C.S.A.
The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance, on the part of the army of northern Va., in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States Army known as the army of Northern Virginia.
U.S. Grant, Lieut. General.”
To which Gen. Grant received reply, the same date as follows;
“General - I have received your note of this day. Though not entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your idea of avoiding useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of the surrender.”
R.E. Lee, General.”
Gen. Grant replied -
"April 8th 1865
Gen. R.E. Lee, Commanding C.S.A.,
Your note of last evening in reply to mine of same date asking the condition on which I will accept the surrender of the army of Northern Va., is just received. In reply I would say that peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, namely, that the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified from taking up arms against the government of the U.S. until properly exchanged, I will meet you or will designate officers to meet any officer you may name for the same purpose at any point aggregable to you, for the purpose of arrange definitely the terms upon which the surrender of the Northern Va. will be received.
U.S. Grant, Lieut. General."
The end was now close at hand, Sheridan’s chief of scouts, Col. Henry S. Young, with about 30 of his scouts were with Lee’s columns night and day, and Young kept Sheridan fully informed of the enemy’s movements, and intended movements.
At five Forks Young had - with 30 scouts all in gray uniform- got into the rear of the enemy’s cavalry, and when Sheridan defeated the cavalry, Young took General Beringer[sp?], and his staff prisoners, from behind their own command, and brought them safe to Sheridan. Young furnished Sheridan with the information that enabled him to capture and drive away the enemy’s provision trains. In my opinion no one man did so much to force the surrender at Appomattox as did as did Lieut. Col. Henry S. Young.
On information furnished by Young, Sheridan sent Custer to Appomattox Station, five miles southwest of Appomattox Court House to capture Lee’s supply trains. Custer captured four trains.
When Lee’s advance came up with no idea of the presence of an enemy, but expecting at last to draw rations, when to their surprise they found Custer in possession of their food, across their path. These starving confederate soldiers fought desperately for their food, and succeeded in burning one train. Custer dismounted his men, and with their Spencer carbines, held back the enemy until he could run off the other three provision trains toward Farmville.
Lee’s army rapidly moved up to attack Custer, but just as they were ready to make an overwhelming attack, the glistening bayonets of the 24th Corps were seen in their front, and their last hope was gone; their last chance to draw rations, and their only line left for retreat was cut off, and almost at once, Lee’s flag of True appeared.
The night of April 8th, General Grant received a letter from General Lee proposing an interview between the lines to discuss terms for peace. This Grant declined on the ground that he had no authority to treat for peace, but stating that the South could have peace by laying down their arms.
When Lee’s Flag of Truce appeared Sheridan with the cavalry and the army of the James was in Lee’s front, between him and his only line of retreat.
The second corps supported by the 6th Corps was attacking Lee in the rear, while Sheridan was attacking in front. There was no possible hope for Lee to save the relics of his army, save by surrender, Sheridan and Humphrey were reluctant to suspend hostilities for the time necessary to communicate with Grant, feeling that the enemy might gain some advantage thereby, but at last Meade and Sheridan, agreed on giving two hours truce, in order to communicate with General Grant, and our armies rested in peace.
Our entire army knew that Lee’s white flag was up, and were sure it meant surrender. Every man’s soul was shining in his face. General Lee sent with his letter – asking an interview with Grant between the lines for the purpose of surrender – an escort to conduct General Grant through Lee’s army to Sheridan’s front; General Grant was escorted to the residence of Mr. McLean at Appomattox Court House, where General Lee awaited him. Mr. McLean, the owner of the house, at the commencement of the war lived on the battle-field of Manassas, and in consequence of that battle, removed to Appomattox Court House, where he thought need never again hear the sound of war, and now the closing scene was taking place in his house.
Grant did not meet Lee under an appletree as was so currently reported, but before Grant arrived, Gen. Babcock, of Gen. Grant’s staff, met General Lee, and found him sitting on an embankment by the roadside under an appletree, near to McLean House, but General Grant met Lee with Colonel Marshall of Lee’s staff at the McLean House. General Lee was in full dress, with dress sword, while General Grant wore a private soldier’s blouse with Lieut. General’s shoulder-straps. Most of General Grant’s staff – Sheridan and Custer, and others were with Grant. The two great military chiefs shook hands, and talked of old army life before the war. General Lee first turned the conversation to the object of truce, and asked of Grant what terms he would give his army. General Grant replied that the foundation of the terms he proposed was that Lee’s army should lay down arms and not resume them during the war, unless duly exchanged; after other conversation. General Lee again brought the conversation back to the subject at hand, and Grnat calling for writing materials wrote as follows;-
"Appomatox Court House, Va., April 9th, 1865 –
General R. E. Lee, Commanding C.S.A.
General;
In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of the 8th inst., I propose to receive the surrender of the army of N. Va. on the following terms, to wit; Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate. One copy to be given to an officer, designated by me; the other to be retained by such officer or officers, as you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up arms against the government, until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander, sign a like parole for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery and public property to be packed and stacked, and turned over to the officer appointed by me to receive them.
This will not embrace the sidearms of officers, nor the private horse or baggage.
This done, each officer and man will be allowed to return to their homes, not to be disturbed by United States authorities so long as they observe their paroles , and the laws in force where they may reside.
Very Respectfully,
U.S. Grant,
Lieut. Colonel.
General Lee seemed pleased with the order permitting the officers to retain their arms and horses, and stated that in their army, their cavalry men and artilleries, owned their horses, asking if the terms implied that they could retain them.
General Lee said it would have a happy effect, and then wrote as follows;-
Head Quarters Army of Northern Virginia.
April 9th, 1865.
General;
I received your letter of this date, containing the terms of the surrender of the army of Northern Virginia, as proposed by you.
As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 8th inst. they are accepted.
I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry the stipulations into effect.
R.E. Lee,
General.
Lieut. Gen. U.S. Grant [sic]
Before parting General Lee informed Grant that his army badly needed food, as for several days, they had subsisted on parched corn, and that he had about twenty-five thousand men. General Grant authorized Lee to send his own wagons to Appomattox Station, there to draw rations from the captured trains.
Gen. Grant appointed Generals Griffin, Gibbon and Merrit to carry out on our part, the paroling of Lee’s army, and Lee appointed Generals Longstreet, Gordon, and Pendleton, to assist in the duty. Grant and Lee then parted in a friendly manner.
Orders were sent to both armies to bivouac. At last passed the word; “Lee’s army is surrendered”. As the information was received at one point, it was passed through the air by the cheers and shouts of joy from the soldiers. Almost instantly our army was beside itself with joy. The air was filled with hats, and apparently, no man cared if he found his hat. Hard-faced veterans embraced and kissed one another, and cried for joy. Batteries were unlimbered, and blank cartridges fired, there was but little sleep. The night was given up to rejoicing.
Drum Corps and brigade bands filled the air with sound, no man cared if it was music or not, for their very souls were full of music. All night long the freedmen came in and sought the bands inquiring for “Massa General” whoever he might be; with tattered straw hat in hand, and a backward scrape of the right foot, with a duck of the head, each would say; “How do, Massa General, bless God you uns have come.”
One said to me; “Old Missus said you uns would hang us up to the top of the tallest trees, but we’ve just come.”
Almost no duty was required of our army, the 10th, it was given up to rejoicing, and our thought[sic] were turned towards home, and we all talked of how happy the folks at home must be, and that now it not be long before we would be marching for home.