rt Sedgwick near the Jerusalem plank-road at the same time
the Sixth made its assault, and with some success, but failed to
gain a permanent footing inside of the enemy's main fortifications.
The Sixth Corps alone made a secure lodgment within Lee's lines.
It made a rift in the Confederacy.

The army then believed the end of the war was near, but blood enough
had not yet been spilled to destroy human slavery.

General Ord, who had been transferred from the front of Richmond,
met and drove back some troops on Hatcher's Run, and Sheridan
advanced from Five Forks to the Appomattox, thence, uniting with
Ord, proceeded down it towards Petersburg. The left of Grant's
army was thrown across the Southside Railroad to the Appomattox
above Petersburg, and some isolated inner forts were taken, and
the enemy was crowded into his last line in the suburbs of Petersburg.
Grant ordered a general assault to be made at 6 A.M. of the 3d.
Thus far, since the general movement commenced, Lee had lost about
12,000 prisoners and about 50 guns. The killed and wounded were
not proportionately great. Lee had been forced to withdraw Longstreet
from north of Richmond, leaving his lines there very slimly defended.( 7)
General Weitzel had been left with a division north of the
James to threaten Richmond. Lee, early on the 2d, realized the
critical situation, and at 10.30 of that memorable Sabbath morning
wired Mr. Breckinridge, Secretary of War, at Richmond:

"I see no prospect of doing more than holding our position here
until night. I am not certain I can do that. If I can I shall
withdraw to-night north of the Appomattox, and, if possible, it
will be better to withdraw the whole line to-night from James River.
I advise that all preparations be made for leaving Richmond to-
night. I will advise you later according to circumstances."

This was handed to Mr. Davis while at church. He arose quietly
and retired, but the portent of the message was soon known and
caused great consternation among the inhabitants of the Confederate
Capital. For almost four years Richmond had been the defiant centre
of the rebellion. Now it was to be abandoned on less than twelve
hours' notice.

Jefferson Davis wired Lee:

"The Secretary of War has shown me your dispatch. To move to-night
will cause the loss of many valuables, both for the want of time
to pack and of transportation. Arrangements are progressing, and
unless you otherwise advise the start