Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1880-04-06
not the defeat of Lee in actu-


isolated armies. You see, the war was
an enormous strain upon the country
Rich rs we were, ] do not see how we
could have endured it another year, even
from a financial point Of view. M
$50 with these views wrote General
Lee, and opened the correspondence
with which the world is familiar, Lee
does not appear well in that correspon-
dence, not nearly so well rs he did in
our subsequent interviews, where his
whole bearing was that Of patriot'and
gallant soldier, concerned alone for the
welfare of his army and his State. re-
ceived word that Lee would meet me at
point within our lines near Shcridan's
headquarters. had to ride quite dis
tance through muddy country. re-
member now that | was concerned about
my personal appearance. had an Old
suit on, with my sword, and without
any distinguishing mark or rank except
the shoulder-straps Of n Lieutenant
General on q wooden blouse. ] was
spashed with mud in my long ride. |
was afraid Lee might think I'm cant TO
show him studied discourtesy by so com
ing,-at least thought so. But ] had
no other clothes within reach, as Lees
letter found me away from my base of
supplies. kept on riding until I met
Sheridan. The General, who was one
of the heroes Of the campaign, and
whose pursuit of Lee was perfect in its
generalship and energy, told me where
to find Lee. remember that Sheridan
was impatient when ] met him, anxious
and suspicious about the whole business;
feared there might be plan to escape;
that he had Lee at his feet, and wanted
to end the business by going in and fore
ing an absolute surrender by capture
In fact, he had his troops ready for such
an assault when Lees white flag came
within his line.
was waiting. found him in a fine, new,
splendid uniform, which only recalled
my anxiety as TO my own clothes while
on my way to meet him. | expressed
my regret that was compelled to meet
him in so unceremonious manner, and
he replied that the only suit he had
available was one which had been sent
by some admirer in Baltimore, and which
he then wore for the first time. We
spoke Of old friends in the army. re-
mcmbered having seen Lee in Mexico.
lie was 80 much higher in rank than
myself at the time that / supposedhe
had no recollection of me. But he said
he remembered me very well. We talk
cd of old times and exchanged inquiries
about friends. Lee then broachcd the
subject of our meeting. told him my
terms, and Lee, listening attcntively,
asked me to write them down. | took
out my manifold order-book and pencil,
and wrote them down. Gen. Lee put on
his glasses and read them over. The
conditions gave the officers their side
arms, private horses, and personal bag
gage. said to Lee that hoped and
believed this would be the close of the
war; that II was most important that the
men should go home and 60 to work,
and the Government would not throw
any obstclcs in the way. Lee answered
that II would have most happy effect,
and accepted the terms. handed over
my pencilcd memorandum 10 an aid to
put into ink, and we resumed our con-
versation about o'd times and friends IN
the armies.
"Varous officers came in--LOngstrcct,
Gordon, Pickett, from the South; Sheri-
dan, Ord, and others from our side
Some were old frlcnds--Longslreet and
myself, Tor instancc--and we had gem
cral talk. Lee, no doubt, expected me
to ask for his sword, but | did not want
his sword. at would only" said the
General smiling, "havc gone to the Pat
cnt Ofllce to be worshippcd by the Wash
ington rebels" There was n pause
when Gen. Lee said that the most Of the
animals in the cavalry and artillery were
owned by the privates, and he would
like to know, under the terms, whether
they would be regarded as private prop
crty or the property Of the Government.
| said that under the terms Of the Sur
render they belonged TO the Govern
mcnt. Gen. Lee read over the letter
and said that was so. | then said TO the
General that believed and hoped this
was the last battle Of the war; that
saw the wisdom Of these men getting
home TO work as soon ms possible, and
that would give orders to allow any
soldier or officer claiming horse or
mule TO take It.. Gen. Lee showed some
emotion to this---a feeling which also
shared--and said II would have most
happy effect. The interview ended, and |
gave orders for ratlonlng the troops
Tho next day met Lee on horseback,
and We Ind talk. IN that conversation
urged upon Gen. Lee the wisdom of
ending the war by the surrender Of the
other armies. asked him TO u,e his
influence with the people Of the South
an influence that was suprcme--to bring
tho war to an end. Gen. Leo said that
his campaign In virglnln was the last
organized resistance which the South
was capable Of making--that ! might
have to march good deal and enco,in-
ter isolated commands here and there,