"Some time after reaching Rices, where Genl Longstreet was
engaged with the enemy slightly--Genl Lee now that Genl Longstreet was
being the more vigorously pressed ordered me up to his support, and as
we [were] 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 ['s] conduct and written him as I had done--to which I
replied, reasserting my criticism 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 [Charles S.] Venable of Genl Lee's
staff rode up and inquired 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 wagon 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 commanded 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
Sailors 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. Genl Lee
rode with me as we passed some [of] our fleeing troops hotly pursued by
Federal Cavalry on the road I had but barely passed over. Reaching the
high ground over looking the open ground bordering up Sailors Creek--a
sluggish little stream emptying 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 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 position over looking Sailors Creek, the massive
columns of the enemy's infantry could be seen deploying in good order on
the opposite of the field as if to prepare for an immense attack or to
guard against a resolute assault, While below and on the main road which
the wagon train had been travelling, where it crosses the staid little
Sailors Creek, could be [seen] an artillery gun slowly firing. Genl Lee
thought as I did that Genl [John B.] Gordon was there, resisting the advance
of the Federals, but this was not so, for Genl Gordon with whatever force
he commanded was some [time] ago gone. I [t] turned out to be Genl Runey
[William H. F. "Rooney"] Lee's 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 herd of people not soldiers--for not one of them carried
a musket--fleeing from the disaster he said to me Genl Mahone 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 apparent to me, that the enemy meant and would not likely make any
further advance that evening. It was too late in the evening. It was nearing
twilight. Meanwhile this herd of fleeing people--men without guns--many
without hats all mingled with teamsters riding their mules with dangling
traces--and a Confederate flag here and there--had surrounded Genl Lee
and were hallowing [hollering] hurrah for Genl Lee. I turned to him to
find him, himself holding up a battle flag, as if to encourage and rally
this herd 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 tale end of the fleeing herd 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 said picture, of a man who was whipped.
I said Genl Lee wished to see you Genl Anderson. When he had come up to
Genl Lee I said Genl Lee here is Genl Anderson, where upon turning his
head toward Genl Anderson, he said with severe emphasis Genl Anderson,
take command of these stragglers and to the rear--signaling the emphasis
by a violent sling of his left hand. Genl Anderson rode on the herd following
him. *[Anderson was relieved from command on April 8]
Shortly after Genl Lee called me to his side and [said]
you Genl Mahone know this country--how are we to get away from here. No
I know [no] thing of this region; but he rejoined did you not build the
railroad--meaning the South Side rail road. No never. No such blunder as
the location and construction of the road attached to my record [Mahone
had been president of the Norfolk & Petersburg R.R. when the war began].
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,
would follow the road he was on it would take him to Farmville 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 he said
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 judgment. As the enemy we knew would be in close pursuit
I wanted to know what should be done with the Rail road and improvised
bridge below for wagons, after I had crossed and he 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 prodigious structure,
and I asked him to call up Colo Tallcot [Thomas Mr. R. Talcott] commanding
a Regiment of pioneers and himself charge Colo Tallcot with this important
duty of destroying the bridges. This he did and his instructions were explicit
to destroy the bridges one span of the Highbridge at day light--and then
he left for Genl Longstreet.
I then rode down the road to go where I supposed Genl
Gordon was and had been fronting the enemy. I quickly met Gel Runey Lee
with his cavalry retiring. It was now a little after dark. I halted Genl
Lee, who protested that we should get away--that the enemy were upon [us]
with an overwhelming 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 tonight. So he halted and we remained there some hours, mean
while being treated to a warm meal by [a] hospitable farm house near at
hand. After this supper Genl Lee [took] to the road with his cavalry to
Farmele [Farmville] and under the guidance of a Colored man I marched my
Division through the woods to the High bridge. Reaching the bridge I found
both the rail road and improvised wagon bridge below firmly guarded by
two sentinels at each, with orders from Genl Anderson to allow no one and
nothing to cross: and there the lower bridge was surrounded by a miscellaneous
caravan including the herd of stragglers--some few ambulances some pieces
of artillery and wagons.
My first effort was to find Genl Anderson, and failing
my mind was made up to take possession of the bridges, if to do so it should
be necessary to shoot down the sentinels. 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 to dismount and join them--with the statement
that they were discussing the situation. I said no 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 wagon. Genl Anderson
replied that Genl Lee had ordered him to collect the stragglers. Yes I
said but it should be to collect them on the opposite side of the River--that
we might reasonable expect the enemy to be there at the dawn of the day.
Genl Anderson accordingly changed his instructions to sentinels, 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.
The expressed the opinion that our army had gone so fully
to pieces, that the time and come for surrender--and desired to know what
I thought, and my answer was that as a subordinate officer I might venture
to say I had seen "Sailors Creek" and while I should 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, state the situation to him and suggest that we see
Genl Lee and ask that Genl Lee delegate the situation and its treatment
to his officers. This programme and Genl Anderson was to start right away
for Genl Longstreet--that he ever said [anything] 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 Tallcott executed Genl Lees order as to the destruction of the
bridges for I knew the enemy would be upon our heels early [in] the 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 [side] 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 [April 7], to find that the bridges had not been yet fired and
the Federal skirmish line rushing in upon them. They were 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 tale end of his wagon shaving him[self].
I do not know that [he] shaved but one side of his face and saw him no
more to and including the end of Appomattox. [Lee was furious at this,
and probably blamed Mahone for the failure to burn the bridges, a costly
error which helped the Federals' pursuit. Gordon's culpability in the affair
has never before been hinted at. He did not mention being near High Bridge
at all in his Reminiscences] I took the road leading to Cumberland Church
where I found Genl ANderson and the caravan--with much accumulation including
Colo [Thomas H] Carters battalion of artillery which had actually parked
unhitched and was feeding. I turned [to] 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.
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 [Colonel William T.] Pogues battalion of artillery
on my right. He was a splendid officer. I had not more than fairly gotten
into position when Col [Walter H.] Taylor bore me a message from Genl Lee
at Farmville to do precisely what I had done and when Genl [Nelson a.]
Miles came up and made a direct but feeble attack on my front which was
easily repulsed. Subsequently he seeing that Poague was unsupported by
infantry made a skirmish line attack in force upon his guns and for the
moment took them, but in nick of time I caught up a body of North Carolina
troops-Genl [Bryan] Grimes Division I believe, which had come up from Farmville
and flung them in upon the enemy and recovered Poagues guns--all of them.
Meanwhile 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
full around my left and in the rear of my left flank were forcing into
the rear of my line, when with the brigade from Genl Longstreet I but them
off and quite annihilated 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 chunk fire [torchlight] was received.
Capt Jno Patterson the provost marshall 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 turned out to be Grants first letter
to Lee suggesting that the time had come when the latter should end this
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, bold captain I have a precentiment [premonition] and can
tell you what it is you have for me. It is my wifes daguertype and straight
way he pulled the miniature out of his breast coat pocket and I said, then
Genl Miles command got my wagon: It was not burnt: This miniature was in
my trunk, in the top of which I had stored 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 [April
8] and went into camp in the evening--not far from Appomattox Co Ho--in
the most god forsaken neighborhood one can well conceive. My headquarters
were in a miserable long [log] hut occupied by a family of deformed people--that
made me shiver to behold, and whose deformity and condition forcibly suggested
that we were near the end. My wagon rich with supplies for a campaign had
been captured--It contained really a store house of all that one [would]
need [for] sustenance and comfort and my cow had been captured and we had
no rations. The bed in this miserable cabin on which I remember to have
spread my oil cloth and sought rest was only about four feet long. While
here I received and extract of an order from Genl Lee assigning the remnant
was the language of Pickets Division to Mahones Division.
The only mad of this remnant I ever saw was the major
quarter master 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 this maj-quarter master I answered by directing 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 [April 9] 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 Longstreet
and the formers 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 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 this army and I want to know what you think about it--My
reply was let [me get] warm, for my teeth will chatter and you may think
I am scared but the truth is I had passed that horrible stage. Genl Lee
responded certainly [get]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 General [Charles W.] Fields and only about eight thousand
muskets--I said I presume your object is a junction with Genl [Joseph E.]
Johnston in Western North Carolina and he said yes. Then I responded saying,
this army is entitled to the most honorable terms--to be pardoned here
to go [to] their homes--officers with their side arms and men with their
personal property. If such terms are proferred, 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 sympathize 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 a captain, save those who have fallen a glorious
sacrifice to the to the cause. They will cut through the enemy 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 receive
your army and to supply it--No sir it is your duty to surrender if the
terms indicated are accorded. The Confederate government is now fleeing
in a wagon confidence has gone in the cause--hope has given place to despair--you
are abandoning square miles of country and women children non-combatants
and property to the incidental hardships and severities 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 [be] paroled to go [to] our homes or to prison--and I urged that
he go to Genl Grant and settle the matter--that if such terms were not
accorded we would fight it out on that field--Genl Lee said Genl Longstreet
who was all the time [near]by leaning one arm on a sapling and regaling
in a dry smoke--what do you say! O agree with Mahone was the laconic [laconic]
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 Grant. I said no--There's your horse and straight
way he mounted and proceed[ed] to find Genl Grant--saying as he started
Genl Longstreet you will take command. There was a flag of truce now prevailing
in front. Genl Longstreet directed me to place my Division in line [of]
battle facing the North--Genl Field covered the rear. As soon as I had
ordered my Division to the position--I saw Genl Fields and suggested that
he send out a flag--that [the]enemy would soon be upon us and a collision
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 came in line , they began to entrench
as was the custom--They were full of spirit and were eager to have a chance
at Sheridan. I ordered that the entrenching be stopped--when the men began
to look at each other as if startled by the suspicion--seized each other
and in tears and anguish gave vent to their disappointment. Officers would
push the blades of their swords into the ground and brake 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-jackets
as we [were] wont to call the Federal Cavalry I rode forward to see what
was going on at the 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 Gel Lee I passed on to his staff. Not long [thereafter] there came
hurriedly a Federal officer with courier following, from the direction
of the Court House. Nearing Genl Lee at about one hundred feet he halted,
dismounted and then approached Genl Lee and about thirty feet from Gel
Lee he halted and formally saluted the General--and placed his cap under
his left arm. Colo Ealter H. Taylor of the Genl staff was directed to approach
the Federal officer and did: with some note or message he returned 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 remounted
and departed in the direction whence he came. A while after, this officer
returned and went through the same graceful approach and respectful address
of Genl Lee. His note was received by the same 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 pieces and deliberately stamped [them] into the ground.
McLean Home: site of Lee's surrender
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 witness that the one which the Federal officer by his
graceful and truly officer like conduct made upon this occasion. After
the completion of the details of surrender which were my part, I went over
to Genl Lees Hdquarters to bid him good bye [April 10] I sat with him in
the front part of his tent. He was obviously full of grief--offering however
no out sign beyond the watering eye. He said that Genl Meade had just left
his Hd-quarters, and that the Federal General was greatly surprised to
know that the effective force of his--the Confederate army at the time
of the evacuation of its lines covering Richmond and Petersburg dud bit
exceed thirty six thousand of all arms--that he General Meade had over
estimated his force at [not] 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 over estimated 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 preceding the
evacuation he said that he advised Mr. Davis to make terms--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 earnest pursuit at hand:
and Mr. Davis he said replied no you must fight. I stated to Genl Lee that
just then he had made a mistake. That he was in fact the Confederacy--enjoying
the affectionate confidence of all that there was of it--and he should
have taken matters in his own hands--held a conference 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 in Richmond and I said yes, and I would have taken my division
down 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
any army could have been more ardently desirous of dissolving the nation,
was that if the uninhabited place could be found, I wish that all officers
of the Confederate cause could make it, and then eke out an existence as
best we might--But as that he said could not [be] done, we should all go
home, respect the Government and obey the laws, and I have no reason to
suspect that he ever entertained any other thought."
