When day broke, I began to see the real state of
affairs. The Federals held possession of our only road to Lynchburg, and
disputed our passage. After reconnoitering, they were discovered to be
dismounted cavalry, in heavy forces. Dispositions were made to attack
them, and about 10 o'clock the line was ordered forward. With ease they
were routed and the whole force driven fully two miles, and had they been
all the Confederate line had to contend with, the exit would have been
insured. The Federal cavalry was driven upon its own infantry, who were
hastening forward and had just formed to advance. There the Confederate
advance was stopped, and in return, were forced back again to the
Courthouse. Just as the divisions had formed anew, to resist the advance
of the enemy, while the skirmishers were engaged, and the Richmond
Howitser battery, (which fired the first gun at Bethel,) having already
discharged one volley, was loading for another, the order was given to
cease firing, and the flag of truce which terminated in our surrender was
sent in. Twenty-three thousand men were surrendered by Gen. Lee, of which
number only a fraction over 8,000 were armed infantry.

CHAPTER II.

Official Correspondence Concerning the Surrender--The Interview Between
Generals Lee and Grant--Appearance of General Lee--Scenes Between
the Two Armies Under Flag of Truce--The Surrender--General Lee's
Farewell Address to His Army.

While the pursuit of Lee's army by Grant's overwhelming forces was still
in progress, the following correspondence ensued between the two
commanders:

APRIL 7th, 1865.

_General R. E. Lee, Commanding Confederate States Army:_

GENERAL: The result of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness
of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia 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 southern army known
as the Army of Northern Virginia.

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT,

Lieut. General Commanding Armies of the United States.

* * * * *

APRIL 7th, 1865.

GENERAL: I have received your note of this day. Though not entirely of the
opinion you express of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part
of the Army of Northern Virginia; I recipr