The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-05-12

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNRs In The
National Tribune Of April Z, Comrads
Nicholas Skunk, 2lst Pa. Cav, wanted
to know what regiment made the last
charge on the 9th day Of April. 1865, when
Lee surrendered at Appomattox. In my
opinion. there must have been a Number OF
regiments in the last charge. Lee was
virtually surrounded. There was ct this
time. Sunday morning, April 8. general
advance upon his lines. Our Sd brigade
was composed of the l55th Pa. 9lst Pa,
lI0th ". y. and 146th y. Y, all yolun-
teers. The brigade was commanded by
Gen. 4. L. Pearson, of the First Division
and the Fifth Corps.
On the morning of April we left our
bivouac, near Farmyille, marching all day
and into the night, when we halted in a
dark woods. We were too tired to get sup
per but made our beds upon the ground
and were soon lost in sleep. Ii was barely
daylight when We were awakened by the
command TO fall in and march. After
marching two or three miles, We came TO
where Sheridans Cavalry were skirmish-
ing with the enemy. and we were halted.
While in this position We took advantage
of the time, building fires and preparing
ourselves to get quick breakfast; but th>
best any of could do was to fill oGs
canteens with boiling coffee, for the orda,
came ringing along the line again: Fab
in-Forward, March," At this timS
we were at some point between the old
turnpike and the Lynchburg road. In this
movement We followed Sheridan's cavalry.
The day previous We had made a half
circle and had completely headed off Lee
We were now here in front of his army.
The 10th Pa, being in the advance, was
ordered to file right and deploy as Skin
mishers. We advanced at a double-quick.
a m
Left. OH knoll near a small private ceme-
terry. We passed over to the opposite size
OF small raylne. where We became eE-
gagged with the rebel infantry. After gee-
ting our wind. we advanced, driving bs.
fore US the enemy, on and through a skrs
of woods. to an open field. Here was re-.
realed 70 us, in the distance the village OF
AppOmattox. probably from a quarter to
half mile in front. pom making our
appearance from the woods we discovered
the rebels to our right in front. and DIS
appearing into a small bit of woods. but
still keeping up the firing. While in this
position We were surprised by seeing two
horseman coming on run toward the CEN
ter of our regiment, the one in front hav.
ing white flag or white handkerchief
on his sword, the other acting as his or
derby. On arriving within haling distance
the first called ont Cease firing; Lee has
surrendered" The men having passed
through a gap in our lines. and our men
not being used to such manuvers. dropped
the butt of their guns to the ground, stand
ing AT parade rest, and watching the de-
parting horsemen, were suddenly aroused
to their senses by a volley from the rebel
skirmishers. Thinking that this flag bust
ness was only ruse to entrap us. we re-
turned their volley and made a rush for
ward. calling out to the enemy to sur
render. and before they got to the farther
side of the field, they halted and surre&.
dered. turning over their arms and equiv
ments, as they had no further use fsF
them. Soon after this we received ordefk
to remain where we We're for the present.
as it was expected that Lee was about Is
surrender.
Our Fifth Corps had the honor to BE-
detailed TO receive the arms, flags. ETC.. OF
Lees army. For further particulars 1
would refer any comrade TO The National
Tribune of Thursday. Nav %. 1890. An
article by Comrade Buell., with map OF
Anpomattox for further proof. to nv
comrade. Dennis Conner. of Co. X. 14Sth
Pa. who served in the Second Corps. un-
der Gen. Hancock.-E. NJ. LEE, Second
Lieutenant, Co. H., 155th Pa. Clarion,
Do