The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-24

Sheridan, for he had captured these trains
with his cavalry the night before near APP
pomattox Station. General Grant replied:
Il should like to have our men sent WITHIN
our lines as soon as possible. l VIII take
steps at once TO have your army suppllcd
with rauons. but | am sorry We nave no
forage FOR the animals. We have had TO de-
pend upon the country for our supply OF
forage OF about how many men does your
present force consist?
Indeed, am not able to say Lee an
SWered, after Slight pause. My losses
IN hAneu ana wounded nave Deen eAceeu-
ingiy heavy, and, besides. there have been
many stragglers and some deserters. All
my reports and public papers, and, indeed,
DESTROYED on the march to prevent them
from falling into the hands of your people.
Many companies are entirely without oin-
GERS, and ] have not seen any returns Tor
several days, so that ] have no means OF
ascertaining our present strength.
General Grant had taken great pains 10
have daily estimate made of the enemy s
forces from all the data that could be OBJ
at this time he said: Suppose 1 send over
a sufficient supply?'' 81 think it will be
ample, remarked Lee. and added with con-
siderable earnestness of manner, and it
will be a great relief, ] assure you.
General Grant now turned to his chief
commissary, Col. NJ. r. Morgan, who was
present, and directed him to arrange for
issuing the rations. The number of officers
and men surrendered was over 2S,0OO. AS
to General Grants supplies, he had ordered
the army. on starting out, to carry twelve
days rations. This was the twelfth and
last day of the campaign.
GRANT MAKES AN APOLOGY.
Grants eye now fell upon Lees sword
again, and it seemed to remind him of the
absence of his own. and by way of expla-
nation, and so that it could not be con-
strued as a discourtesy, he said to Lee:
II started out from my camp several days
ago without my sword, and as 1 have not
esen roy headquarters baggage since,
have been riding about without any side
arms. 1 have generally worn a sword,
however, as little as possibe--only during
the active operations Of a campaign" Il
am IN the habit of wearing mine most or
the time" remarked Lee, when l am
among my troops moving about through
the army"
After little general conversation had
been INDUCED in by those present the two
letters were signed. Grant signed the terms
on the oval table which was moved up TO
him again for the purpose. Lee signed his
letter of acceptance on the handicapped
table at which he sat. Colonel Parker fold
ed up the terms and gave them to Colonel
Marshall. Marshall handed Lees accept
ance to Parker.
Before parting, Lee asked Grant to notify
Meade of the surrender, fearing that fight
ing might break out on that front and lives
be uselessly lost This request was COM
piled with, and two Union officers were
sent through the enemy's lines as the
shortest route to Meade, some of Lees off,
GERS accompanying them to prevent their
being interfered with little before 4
o'clock General Lee shook hands with
General Grant, bowed to the other officers,
and, with Colonel Marshall, left the room.
One after another we followed and passed
out to the porch. Lee signaled to his Or
derly to bring up his horse, and while the
animal was being bridled the general stood
on the lowest step and gazed sadly in the
direction of the valley beyond, where his
army lay-now an army of prisoners. He
thrice smote the palm of his left hand
slowly with his right fist in an absent sort
Union officers in the yard, who rose re-
spectfully at his approach, and appeared
unaware of everything about him. All APP
preciated the sadness that overwhelmed
him, and he had the personal sympathy of
every one who beheld him at this supreme
moment of trial. The approach of his horse
seemed to recall him from his reverie, and
he at once mounted General Grant now
stepped down from the porch, moving
toward him, and saluted him by raising
his hat He was followed in this act of
courtesy by all our officers present. Lee
raised his hat respectfully and rode off at
a slow trot to break the sad news to the
brave fellows whom he had so lorS COM
manded.
General Grant and his staff then started
for the headquarters camp. which, in the
meantime had been pitched near by. The
news of the surrender had reached the
Union lines, and the firing of salutes began
at several points; but the general sent an
order at once to have them stopped, using
are our countrymen again, and the best
sign of rejoicing after the victory will be
to abstain from all demonstrations In the
field"