The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1883-12-12
The surrsnnsr of Lee

Methodist Protestant, oI DaieAA-sl ~ ~
nearly two years past. In reeelt
Der Of that journal we find the close OF
the series, in which is detailed the sur
render of Lee. The picturings OF so
important a historical event by an eye
witness of such high character as Dr.
Parvis will be studied with more inter
est than the wild sketchings of most Of
the would-be "historians" of the present
age. DR.. Parvis.is North Carolinian
and gentleman of fine literary attain
ments. He says: -,
The eventful day, Sunday, April 8,
1865, dawned upon us A nights rest
had greatly refreshed the warworn Con-
federates. The line of march was taken
up lust after the first gleam OF light
showed itself in the east. Earlys Old
division, composed of two North Caro-
lima brigades and one from virginia,
took the front under Brighten. Walker
Fighting was expected. The Confed-
crate s6arpshooters which always COM
nosed the skirmish line, had scarcely
nasseed the courthouse, which Is but a
small village, when they came in con-
tact with the Federal piekets. A lively
fulsilade ensued. The line of battle was
ouickly formed under the eye of Gen.
Gordon. The battle soon became fu=
rious The first line of the Federal troops
was broken and driven back with loss.
I was sitting upon bank by the road
side noting events in my diary when, at
30 o'clock, two batteries capturs OF
Federal artillery (eight guns were
driven by me going to the rear. In q
few moments the FIRE in the front ceased,
and could discover our troops failing
back and taking up new positions ny
| brigades to the rear.
| At the same time white flag, horne
by a couple of Federal officers at tull
| s6eed came out from the Courthouse
| and went to the rear and met Gen. Lee,
where our baggage wagons we're packed
| of the commencement of the action. In
q few minutes another white flag, borne.
NV a couple of Confederate officers, was
! disnatched to the courthouse. The road
was ouickly cleared of every obstruc-
tion. and guards placed along it to keep
everybody out of it, that the hag-beaTers
might pass from one point to the otner
at full speed. At this period the lex-
citement among the Confederates troops
became intense, as 1t was well UNDER
stood the Confederate army was on the
point of being surrendered. 80
/ Many seemed anxious to be led Tor
ward to conquer or die on the held.
Desperation seemed to take hold on the
men. or else men were overcome by des-
peration. | quickly resolved that !
weuld net be included in the surrender,
and formed plan with choice spirit
to escape from the field and take care
i Of myself. One o'clock P. M, was the
hour at which was to strike for liberty
!, or safety. Unwilling to act covertly IN
the matter, at II o'clock N. | went to
NV brigade commander, told him the
) nian had formed and asked him if ne
> thought such a step on my part would
: compromise my honor in the brigade.
He replied: Considering the relation
! You sustain to your regiment, think
! Won would better maintain your honor
! bv abiding its fate" His answer sub
' dned me. and at once | abandoned my
t But numbers did escape, and in M
9 case did l hear Of a failure on the part
8 of any who made the attempt. The tirst
: Aao from Gen. Grant to Gen. Leeacamt
in at $50 o'clock by my watch. These
t aaqs continued to pass and fepass untl
0 4p,m. History often represents thing
S STRANGELY. History gives Gen. Grant
a frst note on this day to Gen. Lee a
e u. 80 D. m, when / have no doubt Gen
j lee received Gen. Grants first note a
$40 A. m. Will some one better skilled
n IN history than am give us solution
It of this difficulty? ..e.-.-
IS The morping had been bright ant
b fair. By noon dark and gloomy cloud
e had gathered over the whole face of th
d skv All nature around us seemed t
o harmonic with our feelings. Sadnes
le and gloom was impressed upon all thlngi
y both animate and inanimate. Men tWer
IN growing desperate; officers were bTeaL
Ing their swords in pieces 10 avold To
se dishonor of sarrendering them. Maze
10 Gen. G.. w. Pickett, who had led tn
"a storming column on the third, day
g Gettysburg, tore up his flag and wore
r around his shoulders. Men have fee
II ings. They cannot control these fee
re- ines at all times and under all circup
e. stances. Ny brigade surgeon came
at me and urged me to preach dlscoun
"a 70 the troops /, too, had feelings, an
he declined what could only regard as
4, duty. NV weight of feeling was t.
ye noyerful to undertake it. --.--
ed At 4:20 P. N. the Second Army Cor
ia was formed in clo.e column to hear Il
m terms Of surrender We were addresst
ii bv Gen. Gordon, who sat upon his hor
of in front. with his hat in his hand, in Il
er most moving and impressive speech
~ which / have ever listened. Circul
his stances gave it force and charactf
m During its delivery men could be Sc
"a raening an every side. Men who hi
.ha facaI- death on many fields, and b
Al fought with manly fiFnlness from BI
ne Run to Appomattox were breaking dol
,.r nnfler the force of that terrible NO
tey surrender. But the brave can weep
he vel. as fight for their country. Up
r. ero;Y,o To the division ordnance wagon
found the lientenant-commander wes
;ng ike A child. Addressing me,
- -: said: 81 have fought the Yankees frt
~ ~ the beginning until now, and to suFT'
ne der to them Is more than / can be
- - n aeems like it will break my hear
"a q. Hone vas dead. The grave was neai
-;n ~ Its funeral solemnities were too Heigt
for the brave.
N;plt came on. But what . mig
. = snch stealing IS took place / ne
-, -, heard or read of before. IT seemed j
~ everything that could be at0len
stolen. Just before the sun Went do
4 subaltern of the quarter-n1a
-, !. nartnent. whoss conditioa bespoke
80 80 excess Of whisky, stepped up q me,
80 80 vrifh much earnestness said II tell 8
a.aa Wr. r.. the Confederacx IS gone
Eow JEFF Dayial owes you ard ne. aap
T. GOOD sum Of money. seuppose ]
q soou as Il gets dark re 90 70
...s~.-,a1 get 4 horse apieee and ntl