| Summary: | This letter is Mahone’s reminiscences about the days leading up to Gen. Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. Written on hotel stationary in response to an inquiry by former General James Longstreet. Mahone was educated as an engineer and served as a general in the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. After the Civil War, he was active in Virginia politics as a U.S. Senator and leader of the Virginia Republican Party.[page 1]
1
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
MCPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
In Conference with [gran ?]
request I give you an account
of
............................ 189...
What I saw and heard
from Genl Lee's line covering
Richmond and Petersburg
to the close of his armys career
at appomattox.
Mahones Division aggregating
at that time about four thousand
muskets, at that time [escaped ?]
that portion of the Confederate
line between the James and
appomattox Rivers commonly
called the Chesterfield
front.
The night previous
to the last day
Genl Lee had held to his
long line of defense, he
telegraphed me to know
if I could [torn section] e him a
[page 2]
2
brigade of my Division.
Immediately I withdrew
the [illegible] Brigade, Genl Harris
commanding from its position
in my line and set it in
motion to report directly
to Genl Lee at Petersburg
about five miles away
and I notified Genl
of the fact. This Brigade
reached Genl Sunday
morning early and a part
of it under the command
of Colo James was placed
inside of one of our
forts and given charged
with its defense, and no
body of men as I am advised
ever made a more heroick
resistance to the repeated
assaults of an enemy.
The balance [torn section] at brigade
[page 3]
3
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
under Genl. Harris immediate
command were otherwise
engaged in the general
[brake-up ?] at Petersburg
and rejoined the Division
at Amelia Court House.
Sunday night I received
orders derect from Genl
Lee, and from that time to
the end at appomattox
all my orders came direct
from Genl Lee - to retire at
day light the next morning
for Amelia Court House,
covering the rear of the
troops from Richmond
when I [moved over ?]
the road from Richmond
where it came into
[page 4]
4
the County road leading
from Chesterfield Court
House to the Goodes
Bridge over the appo-
mattox. The Division reached
Chesterfield Court in the
fore noon of that Monday
morning the [blank 3rd?] day of April.
I found the Court House
grounds and the county
road as I approached
it crowded with all
manner of vehicles men
and women with their
children - who had fled
mainly from Petersburg
in advance of the in com-
ing foe - a brief halt
was made at the Court
House and the troops
given opportunity to
breakfast - while
[page 5]
5
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................ 189...
I busied myself in bringing
off and away such military
wagons as had reached
that place and the retreating
caravan of vehicles and
folks which had been
encountered.
During the Sunday night
when I had perfected all
the details for the retirement
of the Division and my telegraph operator was now
about to take up his instrument
here came an enquiry from
Admiral Tucker - commanding
at Drewrys Bluff - to know if
I could tell him what was
going on - to which enquiry
I replied by referring to the
[page 6]
6
Confederate Secretary of
the Navy. Directly the
admiral rejoined that
he could not get at
the Secretary. I knew
he could not - for I knew
that the Departments in
Richmond had already
been abandoned, but
my knowledge of the
location of naval officers
for adequate knowledge
the course [illegible] may have
persued. I then said to
the admiral that he
had better send over
to "Chaffins" and find out
what was going on there.
In a little while he
responded that every
body at "Chaffins" had gone -
no one there - and asked
[page 7]
7
that I would give him
orders- No admiral
you are not under my
command but would
advise that you follow
the movement of the
troops on your right-
and if you will face
your command inward
and march quite direct
it will bring you to Chester-
field Court House from
which court my Division
will quickly move; and
I advise admiral that
your withdrawal be
as quickly effected as possible -
and above all precautions
that enemy be not advised
of your withdrawal by
the blowing up of your
magazines or other like demon-
[page 8]
8
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
demonstrations. Curious
enough - the head of my
Division had just reached
[crossed out: There is to be a meeting of the]
[illegible] a few miles away
and when now the gray
of the morning had come,
here came the terrific
explosion of the magazine
at Drewrys Bluff - which
lighted the heavens and
faerly shook the earth
in all that region.
At Chesterfield Co. House
Admiral Tucker arrived
barely after my Division
had reached that place.
He was among above two hundred
marines well clad -armed
with cutlass’s and navy revolvers,
[page 9]
9
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
every man over six feet
and the picture of perfect
physical development
and each brigade fully
equipped with a completely
filled tarpolian. Here
one of the inferior officers
of their command - who was
largely under the influence
of whiskey, seized and
undertook to appro-
priate to his own use
the riding horse of Major
Downey. The Major Downey
whose command, and whose
gallant direction had
disabled and driven
off the Federal [illegible] fleet
that made the attack on
[page 10]
10
on that fort - When it
was on its way to Richmond.
The lieutenant at my
command surrendered
the horse to Maj. Downey.
Leaving the Court House
the Division camped
the night at Captain
Murrays and
the next night, immedi-
ately after clearing the
crossing on the appomattox
at Goodes bridge - Here I
received an order form
Gnl Lee now at Amelia Co Ho
to communicate with Gnl
Dick Anderson - and to
proceed next morning to
the Co Ho which was done.
On reaching Amelia
Co Ho early next morning
I reported in person to
[page 11]
11
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................ 189...
whom I found [illegible] seated
with genl Longstreet on the
fringe of a small oat
field near the Co House.
Gnl Longstreet gave me
his seat and went off
to attend to some business.
The chat with Gnl Lee
was pleasant - I noticed that
he was in full uniform
save and except the yellow sash
was wanting - He wore all
his best clothes - [and had on] including
his gold spurs and magnifi-
cent sword and belt.
It impressed me that he
anticipated some accident
to himself and desired
to be found in that dress.
[page 12]
12
Our beloved Corps
Commander Lieut Gnl
A. P. Hill had been
killed on the lines
in front of Petersburg
when the [books?] [oft ?] came. While sitting Genl
Lee at the Court House
the other two Division
Commanders of the Corps
came up and after saluting
the Genl - desired to know
to whom they should
report - Without responding
to the salutation Genl
Lee - exclaimed Gentlemen
whose waggons are those -
pointing to some waggons
near the Co. House - send
your staff waggons
to the waggon train
depend on your haver-
[page 13]
13
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
........................... 189...
sacks as I shall do. Report
to Genl Longstreet and
I give notice of my purpose
to diminish the number
of Corps and division Com-
manders in this Army.
In a short while the Army
left the Court House - Genl
Longstreet taking a by-road diverging and leading south
over to the Danville rail road -
I passed this diverging road
and had proceeded but
a short distance when I
came upon the waggon
train. Here I found Genl
Lee - who informed me
of my mistake and suggested
[page 14]
14
That I turn back and
take the road Genl Longstreet
had gone. This was done
and it was not long
before I found that some Federal Cavalry had
intervened - They were
quickly driven off and
out of the way and my
Division united with
the rear of the column.
Genl Longstreet had
now run up against
the Federal Cavalry at
Jeters Station - Genl
Lee sent for me to
come up to him. I found
near Genl Longstreets
line of battle in the porch
of a farm house. He
got out his map and
wanted to know what
[page 15]
15
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.............................. 189...
I thought of pressing the
fight. It was near sun
down, quite sun down in fact.
I argued that it was too
late in the evening to
effect results and that
his army was not suffi-
ciently compose to deliver
a telling blow - That
he should diverge to
the right and as soon as
could be done, get his
army as compactly as could
be and then turn upon
the enemy and give him
a stunning blow and then hasten
on his march. To this he agreed
and directed me to take
the diverging road to the
[page 16]
16
north, leading by
Amelia Springs - I came
after a short march
on the road to a stream
over which the bridge
had given way, and
a pioneer corps were
engaged in repairing
it. This necessitated
a halt of my division,
which was ordered to
rest, the troops in their places.
After the bridge had been
repaired, the leading
brigades improperly
under the orders of Colo
Marshall of Genl Lees staff -
gave the order forward -
This Brigadeer failed
to send back along the
line and have the troops
waked up - but carelessly
[page 17]
17
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.............................. 189...
proceeded with only a few
troops following. I was
a little way off at the time
at farm house where I had
gone to get something to
eat - and there Colo Marshall
came and said to me "Genl
Lee says, 'move on' - Colo
Marshall after drawing
upon a bottle of pine top
whiskey left and without
supper for I was too much
exhausted to prefer food
to sleep, I proceeded to the
house where I had left
the head of the Division
to find it gone. I followed
the wake of the small portion of a brigade
[page 18]
18
with which Genl Harris
had proceeded and quickly
came up to him - proceeding
with the stragling remnant
as though he headed
a well closed Division.
I halted the command
at once and sent back
details to wake up the
Division and bring it
forward, not failing to
censure Genl Harris for
his un-officer like con-
duct and warning him
that so long as I commanded
the Division, he would
never again take orders
from any other authority.
For the first time during the
war and its varied vicissitudes
encountered I had a stragling
command, brought about
[page 19]
19
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
by the unwarrantable and
un-officer like of Colo Marshall
and Genl Haris unsoldierly
conduct. Mean while Genl
Lee sent over to me in the
midnight a note saying
that he was sorry to hear
that my division was stragling
to which I replied it was
done for the first time, but
entirely due to the improper
interference of his staff
officer Colo Marshall
and that if that officer
repeated the like he Genl
Lee would be short a staff
officer. Collecting my Division
it proceed it proceed in the
usual good order - passing
[page 20]
20
the waggon train and
closed up on the column
at Sailors Creek which
had halted, Here I got a
meager breakfast, from
my saddle bags carried
by a courier, dividing
with Genl Pickett. It was
not long before Genl Lee
said for me to pass the
ordinance waggons and
artillery intervening and
come to the front where
Genl Longstreet was now
at Rices Station engaged
with the enemy who had
crossed his back. On
the way I found Genl Lee
at the junction of a wood
road and he asked for a
brigade to be detached
which he sent down the
[page 21]
21.
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.............................. 189...
It was the Florida Brigade
that was sent down the
Road and I never saw it any
more. Some time after reaching
Rices, where Genl Longstreet
was engaged with the
enemy lightly - Genl Lee
told that Genl Longstreet
was being the more vigorously
pressed ordered me
up to his support - and
as we moving up in line
of battle to reinforce Genl
Longstreet - Genl Lee riding
along with me- he complained
that I should not have
gotten mad at Colo Marshall
conduct and written him
as I had done - to which
[page 22]
22
I replied - reasserting my conclusion
of Colo Marshall interference
with my division and the
determined purpose to rid him of a staff officer if the
like should again occur.
Just then Colo Venable of
Genl Lee’s staff rode up
and enquired of genl Lee
if he had received the
message he had awhile
ago sent him. The answer
was no and Colo Venable
then said I sent you a
message that the enemy
had captured the Confederate
waggon train at Sailors
Creek - Genl Lee exclaimed
where is Ewell and where
is Anderson. It is strange
I cannot hear from them.
Lieut Genl Ewell commands
[page 23]
24
23
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.............. 189...
the reserves brought out
from Richmond Lieut genl
[tempo rank ?] Anderson perhaps
commanded two Divisions -
These commands were in
the rear and had been
captured at Sailor’s Creek
except some portion of
Genl Andersons command
which however had
been largely dispersed.
Genl Lee then turn to
me saying Genl Mahone
I have no troops and
you will have to go
to Sailors Creek - and
by the left flank the
Division changed for
the direction of Sailors Creek.
[page 24]
25
Genl Lee rode with me
and as we passed saw
some our fleeing troops
hotly pursued by Federal
Cavalry on the
road I had but shortly
passed over. Reaching
the high ground over
looking the open ground
bordering upon Sailors
Creek - a sluggish little
stream empting into the
appomattox. Here the
scene beggars description.
Genl Lee surveying the
field straightened himself
apparently, in the saddle
looking more
of the soldier if possible, than
ever, exclaimed as if to himself -
My god has this army dissolved.
Recovering self control for the
moment lost, I replied no Genl
[page 25]
26
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
here is a division ready to
do its duty and he returning
to himself said yes Genl
there are some true men
left. From this elevated posi-
tion over looking Sailors
Creek, the massive columns
of the enemys infantry
could be seen deploying
in good order on the
opposite of the field as
if to prepare for an [illegible]
attack or to guard
against a resolute assault,
While below and on
the main road which
the waggon train had
been travelling, where
it crosses the [illegible] [illegible]
[page 26]
27
Sailors Creek, could be
an artillery gun slowly
fireing. Genl thought as
I did that Genl Gordon
was there, resisting the ad-
vance of the Federals - but
this was not so, for Genl
Gordon with whatever
force he commanded
was some time ago gone -
I turned out to be Genl
Rooney Lees Cavalry.
As Genl Lee sat upon his
horse - the finest figure
of man I ever saw, and
beheld the scene before
him - with an approaching
band of people not
soldiers - for not one
of them carried a musket -
fleeing from the disaster
he said to me Genl Mahone
[page 27]
28
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
will you keep those people
back. He always spoke of
the Federals as those people.
My Division was quickly
placed in line of battle
although it was ap-
parent to me, that the
enemy [illegible] and would
not likely make any
further advance that evening. It was too
late in the evening. It
was nearing twi-light.
Mean while this band
of fleeing people -
men without guns -
many without hats
all mingled with teamsters
riding their mules with
[page 28]
29
laughing faces - and a
Confederate flag here
and there - and surroun-
ded Genl Lee and were
hollowing huzzah for
Genl Lee - I [hurried ?] to
[here ?] to find him, himself
holding up a Confederate
battle flag - as if to
encourage and rally
this horde to a sense
of duty. I rode up
and said genl give me
that flag - These people
here are in my way - there
is no fight in them -
Let them be gone to the
rear. He handed me
the flag saying that
is true Genl - In a few
minutes I saw in the late
end of the fleeing bands
[page 29]
30
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................. 189...
my old Division Commander
now Lieut Genl Dick
Anderson (temporary
rank) and having heard
Genl Lee say that it was
strange he could not
hear from Ewell or
Anderson I rode down
and met Genl Anderson.
I discovered at once
that he had lost his
heart in the Cause. He
was the picture, the sad
picture of a man who
was whipped - I said Genl
Lee wishes to see you
Genl Anderson. When we
had come up to Genl Lee
I said Genl Lee here is
[page 30]
31
here is Genl Anderson.
Where upon without
turning his head to-
ward Genl Anderson, he
said with severe emphasis
Genl Anderson take com-
mand of these straglers
and go to the rear -
signalizing the emphasis
by a [illegible] swing of
his left hand. Genl
Anderson rode on the
band following him.
Shortly after Genl
Lee called me to his
side and you Genl Mahone
know this country - how
are we to get away from
here. No I know nothing
of this region; but he rejoined
did you not build the
rail road - meaning the
[page 31]
32
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................... 189...
South Side Rail road. No
never. No such blunder
as the location and con-
struction of the road
attaches to my record.
I said however Genl, I know
where I am and already
take in the geographical
features of the country
so that I am quite certain
as to the course of the
appomattox, but a short
distance away - the location
of the High Bridge and Farmville.
I said if Genl Longstreet
whom we had left at Rices
Station, moved followed
the road he was on it
should take him to Farmville
[page 32]
33
and that I could march
through the woods and
strike the High bridge.
Genl Lee said he would
rejoin Genl Longstreet
and take him to Farmville.
You be [told ?] will leave
here during the night
and cross the river at
High bridge. I desired
to know what I should
do after crossing the
river and he replied
exercise your judgement.
As the enemy we knew
would be in close pur-
suit I wanted to know
what should be done
with the railroad
and improvised bridge
below for waggons, after
I had crossed and he
[page 33]
34
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.................................... 189...
replied burn them - No
I said not all of the High
bridge - one span will
as effectively delay the
enemy for our purpose as
the destruction of that
prodigeous structure,
and I asked him to call
up Colo Tallcot commanding
a Regiment of Pioneers
and himself charge Colo
Tallcot with this important
duty of destroying the
bridges. This he decided and
his instructions were explicit
to destroy the bridges
one span of the High bridge
at day light and then
he left for Genl Longstreet.
[page 34]
35
I then rode down the
road to go where
I supposed Genl Gordon
was and had been fronting
the enemy. I quickly met
Genl Rooney Lee with his
Cavalry retreating. It
was now a little after
dark. I halted Genl
Lee, who protested
that we should get
away - that the enemy
were upon with an
over whelming force.
No I said Genl Lee your
father says we must
keep those people back,
and really there is
no danger - they will not
come any further to
night. So he halted
and we remained there
[page 35]
36
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................... 189...
some hours - mean while
being treated to a warm
meal by hospitable
farm house near at
hand. After this supper
Genl Lee took the road with
his Cavalry to [Harwell ?]
and under the guidance
of a colored man I marched
my Division through the
woods to the High Bridge.
Reaching the bridge
I found [back ?] the rail
road and improvised
waggon bridge below
firmly guarded by
two individuals at each -
with orders from
Gen Anderson to allow
[page 36]
37
no one and nothing
to cross: And there the
lower bridge was
surrounded by a
miscellaneous cara-
van including the horde
of straglers - some few
ambulances, some pieces
of artillery and waggons.
My first effort was
to find Genl Anderson,
and feeling my mind
was made up to take possession
of the bridges, if to do so
it should be necessary
to shoot down the sentinals.
But my effort to find
Genl Anderson was successful.
I found him a little
way off from the bridge
in consultation with
Genl Gordon. I was asked
[page 37]
38
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
to dismount and join them -
with the statement that
they were discussing the
situation. I said as
before I do that I want
Genl Anderson to change
his instructions to the
sentinels I find at the
bridges - so that my
Division may move
across the river by the
rail road bridge, while
the caravan below
may cross over by
the waggon. Genl Anderson
replied that Genl Lee
had ordered him to
collect the straglers - Yes
I said but it would be
[page 38]
39
to collect them on the
opposite side of the river -
that we maybe reasonably
expect the enemy to be
there at the dawn of
day - Genl Anderson
accordingly changed
his instructions to sentinals
and my Division crossed -
as did the caravan -
After my Division had
started to cross the bridge
I returned to where I found
Genls Anderson and Gordon.
They expressed the opinion
that our Army had gone
so folley to pieces, that
the time had come for a
surrender - and desired
to know what I thought,
and my answer was
that as a Subordinate officer
[page 39]
40
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................. 189...
I might venture to say that
I had seen "Sailors Creek"
and while I would follow
the flag so long as there
was a man to command
our army I felt that our
Cause was lost and that with
their views as Genl Anderson
was the next ranking officer
to Genl Longstreet, that he
proceed at once to see Genl
Longstreet, state the situation
to him and suggest that
he see Genl Lee and ask
that Genl Lee delegate
the situation and its treatment
to his officers. This programme
[page 40]
41
and Genl Anderson
was to start right away
for Genl Longstreet. What
he ever said on the subject
I do not know. At this
conference brought about
as I have explained I made
known Genl Lees instructions
to Colo Tallcot about
the burning of the bridges.
What command Genl Gordon
had or where it was I
never knew. I urged and it
was agreed that he Genl
Gordon should detail
a staff officer to see
that Colo Tallcot executed
Genl Lees order as
to the distruction of
the bridges for I knew
the enemy would be
upon our heels early the
[page 41]
42
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
morning and that it was
all important to our
retreating army to impede
his progress.
I left and after parking
so to speak the division
on the opposite of the river
spent the balance of
the night in exploring
the country for roads.
Returning to my Division
just as the sun could
be half seen to find that
the bridges had not been
yet fired and the Federal
skirmish line rushing in
upon them. They were
[page 42]
43
fired at once and
I had to send in a
brigade to cover the
work. I remember at
this moment to have
seen Genl Gordon,
sitting at the tail
end of his waggons
shading him. I do not
know about their
fate out side of his
fall and saw him no
more to and including
the end at appomattox.
I took the road heading
to Cumberland Church
where I found Genl
Anderson and the
caravan - with much
accumulation including
[page 43]
44
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
Colo Carters battalion
of Artillery which
had actually parked unhitched
and was feeding. I warned
him and like the gallant
soldier he was did
not stand upon the
order of his going. He
took the road leading
to Lynchburg - as did
the caravan under
the command of Genl
Anderson - I knew the
enemy would be there
shortly and got my
Division in line of battle
[page 44]
45
I suppose my Division
then numbered some thirty
five hundred muskets and
the troops had lost none
of their discipline and
willingness to do duty.
My line was short and
did not cover the ground
I desired so had to prolong
it by placing Poagues
battalion of artillery
on my right. He was
a splendid officer. I
had not more than fairly
gotten into position
when Colo Taylor [bore ?]
me a message from
Genl Lee at Farmville
to do precisely what
I had done and when
Genl Miles came up
and made a direct but
[page 45]
46
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
feeble attack on my front
which was easily repulsed.
Subsequently he seeing
that Poague was unsup-
ported by Infantry made
a skirmish line attack
in force upon his guns
and for the moment took
them - but in the nick
of time I caught up a body
of North Carolina
troops - Gen Gaines Division
I believe, which had
come up from Farmville
and flung them in upon the enemy and recovered
[page 46]
47
Poagues guns - all
of them. Mean while Genl
Longstreet came up and
took position on our
right. Later in the day
Genl Miles turned my
left, unprotected,
with a large brigade
of Federals - I saw the
movement and sent to
Genl Longstreet for
two brigades - Fortunately
only one reached me
in time. The Federal
brigade had gotten fully
around my left and in
the rear of my left flank
and came pouring into the
rear of my line, when with
the brigade from Genl
Longstreet I cut them
off and quite annihilated
[page 47]
48
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................. 189...
it, in its attempt to get
back. This closed the fighting
at Cumberland Church -
Night came on and we
left our line about
eleven and marched all
night over a terrible
muddy road. During the
night at Cumberland
Church a flag of truce
by a church fire was
received. Capt Geo Patterson
the provost marshal of
my division was sent
out to receive the flag
and he brought from
Genl Miles two things -
one a letter from Genl
Grant to Genl Lee - which
[page 48]
49
turned out to be Grants
first letter to Lee, suggesting
that the time
had come when the
latter should end the
unhappy struggle
by the surrender of
his army - and the other
was my wifes miniature
with Genl Miles compliments.
After handing me the
letter Capt Patterson said
with the compliments of
Genl Miles I have something
for you - I replied, hold
Captain I have a precenti-
ment and I can tell you
what it is you have
for me - It is my wifes
daguerreotype. and straight-
way he pulled the miniature
out of his [broad ?] coat pocket
[page 49]
50
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.............................. 189...
and I said, then Genl Miles
command got my waggon:
It was not burnt: This miniature
was in my trunk, in the top
of which I had stowed away
two hundred and sixty five
thousand brand new - unused
Confederate notes-money.
I returned my card of thanks
to Genl Miles for the courtesy.
We marched all next
day and went into camp
in the evening - not far from appomattox Co Ho - in the
most God forsaken neighborhood
one can well concede.
My head quarters were
[page 50]
51
in a miserable long
hut occupied by a
family of deformed
people - that made me
shudder to behold, and
whose deformity and
condition forcibly suggested
that we were near the
end. My waggon rich
with supplies for a campaign
had been captured -
It contained really a store
house of all that one
need sustenance and
comfort and my [illegible]
had been captured and
we had no [illegible] -
The bed in this miserable
cabin on which I remember
to have spread my oil
cloth and [tongue ?] [illegible]
was only about four
[page 51]
52
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
feet long. While here
I received the extract
of an order from Genl
assigning the remnant
was the language of Picketts
Division to Mahones Division.
The only man of this
remnant I ever saw was
the Major Quartermaster
of that Division who reported
to me the next day - while
Genl Lee had gone to see
Genl Grant to negotiate
surrender of his Army -
and to the Maj - Quarter-
master I answered by directing
[page 52]
53
a courier to take
him down to the line
and give him a musket
that I had no use for
Quarter masters.
The next morning we
started off a little before
day and about sunrise
the column was halted
and shortly after a
courier came from
Genl Lee, summoning me
to him. I found
Genl Lee with Genl Long-
street and the former
staff on the road
side about midway
the column surrounding
a fence rail fire. The
morning was chilly.
To find Genl Lee around
a fence rail fire excited
[page 53]
54
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................ 189...
my notice, for he had
been scrupulously particular
to enforce respect for
private property. Genl
Lee asked his staff to
retire when he said
Genl Mahone you know
that I always send for
you when I am in trouble.
What is the matter now I said Genl.
Genl Grant has demanded
the surrender of the army
and I want to know what
you think about it -
My reply was lets warm
for my teeth will chatter, and
you may think I am scared.
The truth is I had passed
that possible stage.
[page 54]
55
Genl Lee responded
certainly warm. I did so
thoroughly and then rose
and he added you know there
are but two organized
bodies of troops in this
army your Division
and Fields and only
about eight thousand
muskets - I said I presume
your object is a junction
with Genl Johnston in
Western North Carolina
and he said yes. Then
I responded saying This
army is entitled to the
most honorable terms -
to be paroled here to
go their homes - officers
with their side arms and
officers and men with
their personal property.
[page 55]
56
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
If such terms are proffered,
then Genl Lee you are called
upon to discharge the
most painful and yet
the highest duty that can
devolve upon the commander
of an army. I [illegible] to these
with you in this supreme
trial as well as man can
while no man can measure
the anguish to you of the
moment. It is your duty
to surrender upon such terms.
It would be criminal
murder to sacrifice another
life in the hopeless cause.
You have here now the
best men, that ever followed
[page 56]
57
a captain, save those
who have fallen a
glorious sacrifice
to the cause. They will
cut through the enemys
line of battle now across
your path, but what then -
but a harassing pursuit
will follow the remnant
and when you reach
Johnston - how are you
to rescue your army
and to supply it - No sir
it is your duty to surrender
if the terms indicated
are accorded - The Confed-
erate government is now
fleeing in a waggon
Confidence has gone
in the cause - hope has
given place to despair -
you are abandoning
[page 57]
58
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
square miles of country
and women children
non-combatants and
property to the incidental
hardships and sacrifices
which accompany an
invading army. At this
juncture he handed me
Genl Grants letter of demand
for surrender to read.
I read it and thought
it was not clear whether
we were to [handled ?] to
go our homes or to
prison - and I urged that
he go to Genl Grant and
settle the matter - that
if such terms were not
[page 58]
59
accorded we would
fight it out on that
field - Genl Lee said
Genl Longstreet who
was all the time by
leaning one arm on
a sapling and regaling
in a dry smoke - What
do you say: I agree
with Mahone was
the lagconic response
of the war worn hero:
but said Genl Lee what
will the country think
of me - and my response
was the country will
approve whatever
you do - go to Grant.
He expressed the fear
that it was too late
and that he
would be unable to find
[page 59]
60
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................. 189...
Grant - I said no - There
your horse and straight
way he mounted and
proceeded to find Genl
Grant - saying as he
started Genl Longstreet
you will take command.
There was a flag of truce
now proceeding in front -
Genl Longstreet directed
me to place my Division
in line battle facing the
north - Genl Fields covered
the rear - As soon as I had
ordered my Division to its
position - I saw Genl
[page 60]
61
Fields and suggested
that he send out a
flag - that enemy
would soon be upon
us and a colision
should be avoided -
that a flag prevailed
in front - He wanted
to know what was
up and I replied you
must infer.
As soon as my troops
were in line, they began
to in trench as was
the custom - They were
full of [spinich ?] and
were eager to have
a chance at Sheridan.
I ordered that the intrenching
be stopped - When the
men began to look at
each other and as if startled
[page 61]
62
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
........................... 189...
by the suspicion - seized
each other and in tears
and anguish gave vent
to their disappointment -
Officers would [rush ?]
the blades of their swords
into the ground and
break them off and
men their bayonets, till
the scene was too much
for me and I had to
ride off. Subsequently
and when our army was
now surrounded by a
cordon of yellow - lately
as we move to call the
Federal Cavalry I rode
forward to see what
was going on at the
[page 62]
63
front and there I found
Genl Lee on the road
side near a little stream
not far from the appomattox
Court House - Standing to
himself and some of his staff
fifty or sixty feet away.
Exchanging compliments
with Genl Lee I passed on
to his staff. Not long there
came hurreedly a Federal
officer with courier
following, from the direction
of the Court House. Nearing
Genl Lee at about one hun-
dred feet he halted, dis-
mounted and then approached
Genl Lee and about thirty feet from Genl Lee he
halted and formally saluted
the General - and placed
his cap under his left arm.
[page 63]
64
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
................................. 189...
Colo Walter H. Taylor of the
Genls staff was directed to
approach the Federal officer and
did; with some note or
message he referred to
Genl Lee - and quickly
returned to the Federal
officer with a reply.
The Federal officer again
saluted Genl Lee, put on
his cap, returned to his
horse he mounted and
departed in the direction
whence he came. A while
after this officer re-
turned and went through
same graceful approach
and respectfull address
of Genl Lee. His note was
[page 64]
65
received by the same
staff officer and the answer
returned as in the first visit
When the Federal officer
repeating his salutation
departed as before. Genl
Lee then tore apparently
the note he had received
into many peaces and [illegible] [illegible] stamped into the
ground. He now mounted
his horse and with a
staff officer rode off
in the direction the Federal
officer had come and gone.
A more sublime spectacle
I never witnessed that the
one which the Federal
officer by his gracefull
and very officer like
conduct made up on this
occasion.
[page 65]
66
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.................................. 189...
After the completion of the
details of surrender which
were my part, I went over
to Genl Lees Hdquarters
to bid him goodbye -
I sat with him in the front
part of his tent - He was obviously
full of greef - offering [illegible]
no out sign beyond the
watering eye. He said that
Genl Meade had just left
his Hdquarters - and that the
Federal General was greatly
interested to know that
the effective force of [illegible] - The
Confederate army at the time
of the evacuation of its lines
covering Richmond and Petersburg
did not exceed thirty six
[page 66]
67
thousand of all arms -
that he General Meade
had never estimated his
force at less than sixty
thousand. Genl Lee observed
that he had advised the
Confederate authorities
at the start - that the contest
on which we had entered
could not be overestimated
and our chance to win
was to be found by throwing
the whole military or
fighting power of the
Confederacy vigorously
into the struggle - which
while not saying so, he
manifestly thought had
not been done. In the winter
preceeding the evacuation
he said that he advised
Mr Davis to make terms -
[page 67]
68
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................... 189...
that it would be impossible
for him when spring came and
the campaign opened, for him
to get away. Roads bad
and transportation poor,
while the army confronting
him was full handed and
fresh - with every means
of movement [personally ?] at hand:
and Mr. Davis he said replied
no, you must fight. I stated
to Genl Lee that just there
he had made a mistake. That
he was in fact the Confederacy -
enjoying the affectional -
confidence of all that Here
was [illegible] - and he should
have taken matters in own
hands - held a conference
[page 68]
69
with his officers - told
them the situation and
they would have commissioned
him in behalf of the army to
see Grant and effect a
settlement - He replied, but
there was the government
at Richmond and I said
yes, and I would have
taken my decision over
there and dispersed
it. He asked me what
we should do now - and
my answer prompted by
the emotions natural
under such circumstances,
for no man in my way could
have been more ardently
desirous of dissolving
the nation, was that if the
uninhabited place
could be found, I would
[page 69]
70
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
............................. 189...
wish that all [illegible] of
the Confederate cause,
could make it, and there
eke out an existence as
best we might - But as
that he said could not
done - we should all
go home - respect the Gover-
nment and obey the laws,
and I have no reason to
suspect that he ever en-
tertained any other thought.
He was the most [illegible]
and proudest man I ever
saw. He had no appreci-
ation of a joke. Polite, but
stern and matter of fact in
all things. His long service
in the regular army had
[page 70]
71
him with a reverence for
authority and such a rigid
respect for rules and regulations
which were unfortunate
and hurtfull for one in
command of army of re-
volution. He should have
gone to the field unfettered
and his will should have
been the law. I remember
on one occasion when
a brigade in the Division
I commanded had severely
run down and could no
longer relied on to do
duty, that he sent for me
and wanted to know what
could be done to restore
the brigade to its former
fighting tone. I said the
Brigade needs only
the right person to command
[page 71]
72
HOTEL CHAMBERLIN
McPHERSON SQUARE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
.................................. 189...
it - The brigade commander
was on sick leave. Genl replied
but what are we to do
with him and my reply
was let him have an inde-
finite leave or promote
[h]im to the command of
[s]ome territory where there
[wa]s to be no war. He wanted
[t]o know who was the man
for the Brigade and my answer
was Captain Grandy - then a
volunteer on my staff and
one of the brightest officers
I ever knew - What he said
jump all the Colonels of the
brigade and I said yes -
not one of them is fit
for the command - Well Genl
[page 72]
73
Lee said you know I
can't appoint a Brigadier -
but I will ask the War
Department to approve
Captain Grandy and I
told him in that case
I would issue my orde[r]
that evening assigning
Capt. Grandy to the
command of the Brigad[e]
and I did that very
thing.
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