The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-04-10
TuE,sURRENDER ATAPPOMATrOx
How Grant Received the Capitulation of the
Confederate Armies-Lee's Farewell-The
Actors in the Scene-An Interview with
Secretary Lincoln.
National Republican. 9,b.l

A representative Of The Republican called
upon Secretary Lincoln yesterday TO in-
quire il he had any interesting recollec.
| tons OF the events which occurred to-day
sixteen years ago.
"Tell me-" said the scribe, what your
memory is as to the circumstances attend.
ing and connected with the surrender OF
General Lee"
"WelI," said Mr.. Lincoln, 81 don't know
that there were any particularly dramatic
incidents connected with The surrender. OF
course, looking back Into history, the events
OF that day form page that can never be
forgotten, especially by those who were
present on that OCCASION. / was, if you re-
member, on General Grants staff at that
time, but. as junior officer, really saw
but little OF the actual occurrences. think
there was some correspondence between
Generals Grant and Lee on Saturday, and
on sunday, about = O'Clock in the af-
ternoon, General Lee came into the
Union lines. accompanied by Colo
mel Marshall, who was either his
acknowledgement or military secretary, |
don't know which. After General Lee had
been within our lines for some time the
members OF General Grants staff were in-
formed that II they so desired they could be
presented 10 General Lee. We went over TO
the house in which the negotiations had
been cOnductod-a small brick house, 18th
low ceilings and contracted rooms-and
after being introduced remained but few
moments. aud then adjourned 10 the porch.
During the negotiations General Grant was
attended only by General Joe Bowers, his
chief OF staff, and possibly by General Raw.
lins. though | do not now clearly remem-
ber."
Republican Can YOU remember the
names OF the members OF General Grants
staff who were with YOU at the time you
alIude to?
Mir. Lincoln Let me see; there was Col.
onel Webster, Colonel Parker, General
Babcock, General Porter, and one or two
others whose names / do not now re-
member.
Republican How long did General Lee
remain within the Union lines on this occa.
sion !
Mr.. Lincoln: Until nearly dusk, and then
he returned 10 his troops.
Republican: That matter OF the receiving
and returning OF Lees sword has been pref
ty well exploded, has it not:
Mr.. Lincoln: So far as know nothing OF
that kind occurred. General Grant wore
| no SWORD al tue eCllne-at least, when
saw him. AS recall the scene now, it ap-
peared TO be a very ordinary transaction.
OF course it was fraught with the greatest
interest TO the whole country; but those OF
lis who were present did not realize then its
full effect and importance. 1t seemed Just
as ii had sold you house and we had but
to pass the titles and other conyeyances.
Republican Was there anything OF par.
ticular interest that happened the next day !.
Mr.. Lincoln: The next day General Grant
and staff started for Washington, but Just
before he left word was sent to General
Lee that General Grant desired TO again
confer with him. \ short time afterward
General Lee and staff advanced, and were
met by General Grant, accompanied by bis
entire staff. Each body was halted while
they were some distance apart, and the two
generals rode forward and had their last
meeting upon horseback. By the by, |
could never understand where that story OF
the apple-tree came in. 1t may have been
that the two great captains may have halted
their horses under the shade OF an apple
tree for that memorable talk, but il so,
have no recollection of il.