Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1910-06-01
A WAR Renaissance.
How longstreet 6luffsd Custer at APP

pomattox.
From the sound OF firing IN front It
was evident that Gordon and Fitz Lee
were attacking Sheridan's cavalry.
who outnumbered them four TO one.
and had also the comforting assurance
that the Army OF the James was not
far or to support them II needed.
When my march brought me TO the
hill espied Generals Longstreet and
Alexander. chief OF artillery sitting on
a log Alexander got up and came to-
ward me. l said to him: General Lee
Instructed me to stop here for orders
What do you want me to do?" He re-
piled, Turn into that field on the right
and park your guns" Then he added
In a low tone, I'VE are going to surren-
der today" We had been thinking
that 1t might have to come to that
sooner or later. but when the shock
came 1t was awful. Alexander caution
ed me 70 keep the news quiet, and l
moved into the field designated with a
heavy heart and parked my batteries
Colonel Haskelrs battalion was al
ready In park near me in the same
field. The firing continued in front for
some time, and Gordon drove the lin
vincible troopers" more than a mile
and sent back large number Of pris-
oners and two pieces OF artillery which
he had captured. The latter were
placed IN Haskelrs park. Had 1t been
only Sheridan that barred the way the
surrender would not have occurred at
| Appomatto1, but Gordon drove back
the cavalry only to find himself con
fronted by the Army OF the James.
and its bayonets could now be seen
! advancing through the trees, and the
road was blocked with ten times his
numbers. 1t was then that a flag Of
truce was raised by agreement with
Sheridan and Gordon.
Presently a Federal calvary officer
was observed coming down the road
toward our forces. He wore his hair
very long. and it was OF n light or
reddish color. In his hand lie carried
a white handkerchief. which he con.
stantly waved up and down. He in
quired for General Lee ana was d
rected to General LongStreet upon the
hill. Upon approaching the general
he dismounted and said: General
Longstreet. in the name Of General
Sheridan ! demand the surrender OF
this army. | am General Custer
General Longstreet replied: IL am MOI
IN command Of this army. Genera
Lee is, and he has gone back TO NEE
D General Grant in regard to suSSender.'
D Well" said Custer. no matter abou
General Grant We demand the sur
= render be made to US. II yo1 do no
do so we will renew hOstilities, ant
any bloodshed will be upon you
!. head" "Oh. we'll" said Longstreei
" If you do that | will do my best I
e meet you" Then. turning TO his stan
il he said: Colonel Manning. pleas
order General Johnston to move hi
division to the front ard right OF Ger
:. eral Gordon. General I.atrobe. pleas
y order General Pickett forward TO Ger
D eral Gordon's left Do Il at once.
Is Custer listened with surprise depicte
r upon his countenance. He had nc
: thought so many Of our troops wer
at hand with Longstreet. He. coolin
off Immediately. said: General. prol
H. ably we had better wait until we hes
o. from Grant and Lee. will speak
+, General Sheridan about il. Don
move your troops yet" And he noun
ed and withdrew in a much more Qui
re style than In his approach. AS
=, passed out Of hearing LOnGStreet sa
quietly, with that peculiar chuckle
= his. "Ha. ha. that young man has ne
er learned to play the game Of 'brag.
e The divisions OF Johnston and Picke
IL we're only Il myth and had no exi>
-, ence whatever after the fight at Fl
' Forks.-From In Camp and Field"