USA > West Virginia > History of the Second regiment West Virginia cavalry volunteers > Part 17
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General Lee's army was not all disposed in battle ar- ray. Informed of the situation of affairs, General Custer said to the officer who brought the information, I will charge; show me the way." The entire division had been formed in column of squadron. A writer in the "Life and Deeds of General Grant" says of this occasion: "Custer's
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command presented a most striking and beautiful effect in color, as also in concentrated power for action. Following the general and his staff, and thrown to the morning breezes, floated not less than forty rebel battle flags captured from the enemy within ten days. These with division, brigade, and regimental colors of the command, made a picture as with flashing sabres they moved into view, at once thrill- ing and beautiful." As we moved rapidly forward toward the place from where we were to charge the camp, a bat- tery of rebel artillery, paid us compliments with a few shells, but they passed harmlessly over our heads. These were the last rebel cannon we ever heard. Just as a double line had been formed, and the charge had sounded from headquarters, and the long line had started dowa the slope, three or four horsemen were seen emerging from the woods toward the camp, the leader waving something white over his head. Colonel Briggs, of the seventh Michigan met the party, when they asked for the "general commanding." Custer was pointed out, and the Confederates rode rapidly toward him. General Custer said, "I am not in sole com- mand upon this field, but I will report the request to Gen- Sheridan, and I can only stop the charge upon the an- nouncement of an unconditional surrender." Custer then sent his chief of staff back with the flag of truce party to see if the surrender was all right. Gen. Lee could not be found just then, and the party was directed to General Longstreet and Gordon, who assured the "chief of staff" that an unconditional surrender of the army of Northern Virginia was intended. When the staff officer returned, General Custer at once started for the rebel camp, using the flag of truce the staff officer returned with, and which is now in Mrs. Custer's possession. Custer soon found Longstreet and Gordon, and received from them the assur- ance that they had surrendered to General Grant. During this exciting period, which occupied at least two hours time, the entire force of Union horsemen were silently awaiting orders. Word had been passed along the line that a surrender was one of the possibilities, but the report
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did not obtain much credence in the ranks. The silence was regarded as ominous, for we were momentarily expect- ing to move forward. But hark! listen at the cheers to our left, and now looking that way we see the fiery Custer riding down the line as if mad, his long yellow hair and red neck-tie streaming in the wind. He was wildly wav- ing his hat, and shouting at the top of his voice: "General Lee has surrendered his whole army." The change from anxiety and doubt to a certainty of the result was now assured. How can I describe the scenes that followed ! Men leap from their horses, toss caps and hats high in air, shout and cheer until exhausted. Across field and wood to the right and left resound the mighty joy of the Union army. Brave men clasp each other, and weep, and sing, and dance and pray. It was worth our entire term of ser- vice to have been there at the death of the rebellion. The army that was the pride and hope of the Confederacy now lay helpless at our feet. Victory after victory had fol- lowed us in such rapid succession, that to be led against the enemy was sure to add another laurel to our banners; but now the gallant army of Northern Virginia was no more, the rebellion hopelessly crippled, and we knew that the war was virtually over. As all this comes to the minds of the men, they again and again break out in cheer- ing, and the grand chorus rolls along the lines. It was glorious to have been there. The file of the Confederate army were glad that the war was over, glad they had fired their last shot, and rejoiced to think they could soon re- turn to their homes. But how different was the return of the boys in gray and that of the boys in blue. The for- mer were half-starved, poorly clad, no money, homes ruined, land almost a waste, whipped and conquered on every side. Verily, they suffered for the sins of their leaders. How different was the reception of the boys in blue. Their return was characterized by the firing of guns, the ringing of bells. Reverberations of cannon were heard in every city, town and village throughout the land. Millions of flags danced to the movements of the wind.
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But in all our joy there at the time, it was not the mere exultation over a fallen foe. In those ever memor- able hours, there was a gentle spirit of clemency diffused among all, that just now became consciously present. The particulars of the formalities of the surrender were about as follows: Grant did not reach Appomattox village until about 1 o'clock p. m. The famous village consisted of less than a dozen dwellings, standing on some rising ground. As the hero of the Union armies eame up to the village with his staff, they were met by Sheridan. General Grant said: "How are you, Sheridan?" "First rate, thank you. How are you?" Grant's tone and manner plainly indieat- ed that he was perfectly satisfied with the position of affairs. "Is Lee over there?" asked Grant. "Yes, he is in that brick house," said Sheridan. "Let's go over," and then all started. They went to the house of Wilbur McLean ; the only person entering there was General Grant. The others remained in the front yard for awhile, out of consideration for General Lee. Shortly after all were invited in, when the terms of surrender were signed. There were fifteen persons in the room at the time the papers were signed. Frances A. Burr, the historian, says of the occasion : "Sheridan was as marked a figure in face, pose, expression, dress, as was Lee himself. The con- federate commander was in full uniform, with sword and equipment, all of which were nearly or quite new. The condition of General Lee's and Colonel Marshall's clothing was explained by the fact that the activity of Sheridan's cavalry in attacking their baggage train had compelled officers to select the most needed articles and leave the rest to be destroyed, rather than have them fall into our hands. Sheridan had fallen unconsciously, as the generals con- versed, into a strikingly dramatic attitude. The others sat or lounged with the quiet of intense interest. Sheridan's attitude was that of the soldier who expected to be called suddenly to action. It was that of his mood, for dring the whole marvelous pursuit in which he had led the attack and the advance, he had been wrought up to the loftiest
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pitch of endurance, courage, foresight, and vital move- ment. Indeed, he could almost have stood as a model of Fate, so alert and unyielding was his attitude. Cavalry boots, rusty and soiled, covered , half his short, sturdy limbs. He wore the full uniform of his rank, with sash, belt and sword. His short, broad, sturdy form stood posed in strength. The head and face were remarkable. Beard- less, except a close, dark mustache, its striking lines and forais were seen most clearly. The expression was that of set, fixed force and determination. There was a tremen- dous degree of vitality in the notable figure-a great amount of intellectual reserve in the lined countenance.
"With close-cropped head and beardless face the height, depth and breadth of the general's cranium were felt by all. The jaw, strong and well defined, was not heavy. There was not a gross line to be seen. The Irish gray eyes followed searchingly every facial movement of the Confed- erate leader. That the brain behind that fixed, impassive sternness was at work could be understood by one glance. Standing 'at attention,' with heavy sheathed cavalry sabre resting on his left arm, Sheridan was indeed the embodied vigilance of the Union army. That morning found ample cause for vigilance. The bold, ardent, ceaseless pursuit which had followed Five Forks, and especially marked the advance from Jettersville, had been rewarded by the secur- ing of the west ridge, beyond Lee's position and by the rapid alignment of infantry across the only road by which Lee could move.
"The Confederates were enmeshed and knew it. The work of disabling guns and destroying military property was going on. Custer in the advance was as usual aching to attack and capture more guns. His division seenred the last taken by actual combat in Virginia. It was a wonderfully picturesque sight, for the topographical fea- tures permitted a full display of our strengthening and en- cireling lines, as well as the hurried movements of the gal- lant enemy within the fateful circles forming about them. Lieutenant General Gordon, with his corps, faced Sheridan
NATHANIEL SISSON. A Bugler who sounded the last charge at Appomattox
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and Ord, fretting with the impatience of valor. It was his desire to eut his way through, and the veterans behind him would at his word have tried it. Lee knew, however, that such sacrifice was useless, and took pains to forward to General Sheridan a copy of his letter to Grant, calling for a conference to arrange the terms of surrender. Sher- idan received this at least an hour before Grant did, with information, also, of the short truce allowed by Meade, whose army was steadily pressed to its position. Sheridan at onee road down to meet Gordon, accompanied by Merritt, Custer, Irvin and others." How the news was received by the 24th corps can be faintly seen by the following ineident. Captain Ricks, a staff officer, was present when the first news of the surrender came to them. The cheering frightened his horse, which dashed off at full speed, heading toward a column of marching infantry. A thought flashed through the riders mind that this , would be a good opportunity to carry the news to the rest of the corps; so giving free rein to the excited horse, he rode on. The column opened out for the horse and rider, and he shouted out the news as he sped on. Captain Rieks says: "As I was speeding through one of the regiments, I caught the bright face of a soldier leaning out as far as possible into the road to catch the message that fell from my lips. "What is it? What is it?" he anxiously shouted. "Lee has surrendered his whole army to Grant" was the reply. Clear and lond, above all the voices, and quick as the message fell upon his ear, was his answer: "Great God! you're the man I've been looking for the last four years."
The following little incident is given in the language of General Horaee Porter. After the terms of surrender had been signed, and the officers present had been intro- dneed, General Lee said: "I have a thousand or more of your men as prisoners, General Grant, a number of them officers, whom we have required to march along with us for several days. I shall be glad to send them into your lines as soon as it can be arranged, for I have no provisions
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for them. I have, indeed, nothing for my own men. They have been living for the last few day, principally upon parched eorn, and we are badly in need of both rations and forage. I telegraphed to Lynchburg, directing several train loads of rations to be sent on by rail from there, and when they arrive I should be glad to have the present wants of my men supplied from them."
All eyes were now turned upon Sheridan, for he had captured these trains with his cavalry the night before, near Appomattox Station. The cavalry was always there- wherever that might be. After Lee had ridden away from the McLean house, there became a desire among the Union officers to secure some relie of the memorable occasion. Sheridan shared this feeling with the rest, but his desire took a generous turn, for he gave MeLean twenty dollars in gold for the little table on which the agreement was written, and at once gave it to Custer, who started to camp bearing it upon his shoulder.
The cavalry remained in line all day, and late in the evening went into camp. On the 10th the return march was commenced, and, strange to relate, the men seemed unusually despondent. But little conversation was in- dulged in, every one seemed to be busy with his own thoughts. Was it because their grim occupation was gone ? Certainly not. As the sombre march of that gloomy, dark and rainy day occurs to my mind, it recalls the words of Shakespeare :
Oh, farewell !
Farewell the neighing steed and the shrill trump, The spirit-stirring drum, the ear-piercing fife, The royal banner ; and all quality,
Pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war. And O, you mortal engines, whose rude throats The immortal Jove's dread clamors counterfeit, Farewell."
General Grant and staff marched with us that day, but owing probably to the low spirits of the troopers, no attenion was given the "silent man" although this was the first time the Virginia brigade at
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least had even seen him. In the evening we camped at Prospect Station, on the Southside railroad. On the 11th the march was continned very slow, and on going into camp the mail was distributed to us, the second re- ceived in six weeks. This had the effect of somewhat re- storing the "riders" to their normal condition. Soldiers are like children. They can not remain in sullen spirits very long. It was only nine miles to Burkesville Junetion which ended our march of the 12th. The roads were again in a miserable condition for marching, and our horses were almost worn out from over exertion. To the noble en- durance of these animals may largely be attributed the fact that Lee surrendered when he did, for the wiley Confeder- ate was making desperate efforts to reach Lynchburg. A large ambulanec train of wounded, mostly cavalry, came in from the front this evening and were properly cared for. Also a train of supplies and forage came into camp from Petersburg; these were badly needed, for we had been on starvation rations since the fight at Sailor's Creek, and where the Second Virginia, to the writer's knowledge, so generously divided their small stock of rations with the prisoners they guarded that night.
The 13th was another dark and rainy day, and at Not- toway C. H., after a march of only twelve miles, the divis- ion again eamped for the night. The announcement that we will rest here a few days, was received with general satis- faction. Clothing also reached us at this time, which en- abled many of the boys to lay aside their butternut clothes, which, of necessity, they had been compelled to wear. Squads of returning Confederates were passing camp all evening, apparently well satisfied at the turn affairs had taken.
General Custer started for Washington with thirty- seven rebel flags captured by the division within the last eight days. The 14th was to witness the raising of the old flag over Fort Sumpter, and our battery fired two hundred guns in honor of the occasion.
Early on the morning of the fifteenth we were
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aroused by the patter of rain on our little tents and as the day of the 14th had been so pleasant, a great many had neglected to cut the essential ditch around the tents, and in listening to the patter of rain upon the roof, the water had been silently and surely working its way under the beds, which were made on the ground. However, the boys consoled themselves with the reasonable conclusion that it might have been worse. During the day the news of the assassination of President Lincoln reached camp, and soon the company streets were thronged by eager crowds discussing the awful tragedy, and all were eager to learn the particulars. So much had occurred within the last two weeks that the mind could scarcely com- prehend it all. To again put the boys out of humor, rations had become exceedingly short.
Plenty were within reach, but there seemed to be an over supply of red tape. Semi-starvation does not pro- duee good humor, and the humblest private in the ranks knows that when the rations were in sight, as it were, there was something wrong if they were not issued. Ow- ing to this fact the command remained in camp, with signs of a storm brewing among the troops. On the 17th the rations were issued. On the 18th the column reached Petersburg and camped one mile west of the city, on the ground fought over by the Sixth corps on the second. Several fine residenees around this spot had been destroyed, but the beautiful lawns and other outward appearances gave silent evidence of that outward adornment characteristic of Virginia residences.
This day there was given to every officer and enlisted man of General Custer's division, the following order printed in beautiful colors and which to-day adorn the homes of many of the bold riders and their families:
Headquarters Third Cavalry Division, Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9, 1865. 5
Soldiers of the Third Cavalry Division :- With pro- found gratitude toward the God of battles, by whose bless- ings our enemies have been humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your commanding general avails himself of
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this, his first opportunity,to express to you his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the series of battles which to-day resulted in the surrender of the enemys entire army. The record established by your indomitable courage, is unparalleled in the annals of war. Your prowess has even won for you the respect and admiration of your enemies. During the last six months, although in most instances confronted by superior num- bers, you have captured from the enemy in open battel, one hundred and eleven pieces of field artillery, sixty-five battle flags, and upwards of ten thousand prisoners of war, including seven general officers. Within the past ten days and included in the above, you have captured forty-six pieces of artillery and thirty battle flags. You have never lost a gun-never lost a color-and have never been de- feated. And notwithstanding the numerous engagements in which you have born a prominent part, including those memorable battles of the Shenandoah, you have captured every piece of artillery the enemy has dared to open upon you. The near approach of peace renders it improbable that you will again be called upon to undergo the fatigues of the toilsome march, or the exposure of the battlefield; but, should the assistance of keen blades, yielded by your sturdy arms, be required to hasten the coming of that glorious peace for which we have been so long contending, the general commanding is proudly confident that in the future, as in the past, every demand will meet with a willing and hearty response.
Let us hope that our work is done, and that, blessed with the comfort of peace, we may soon be permitted to enjoy the pleasure of home and friends. For our comrades who have fallen let us ever cherish a grateful remembrance. To the wounded, and those who languish in southern prisons, let our heartfelt sympathies be tendered. And now speaking for myself alone, when the war is ended, and the task of the historian begins; when those deeds of daring, which have rendered the name and fame of the Third Cavalry Division imperishable, are inseribed on the bright pages of our country's history, I only ask that my name may be written as that of the commander of the Third Cavalry Division,
G. A. CUSTER, Brevet Major General. A. ADJUTANT GENERAL BARNHARDT.
The few days passed in camp here were pleasant. All the works in and around the city were viewed with much
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interest. The Confederate works looked quite formidable, but were much defaced by shot and shell. Nearly all the soldier quarters were underground, and from all appear- ances the Johnnies passed an uncomfortable winter. Sev- eral sutlers arrived about this time, and exposed their goods for sale at such exhorbitant prices, that the long pent up wrath of the soldiers toward this enter- prising class of merchants was somewhat appeased by the destruction of their tents and the consequent loss of some of their goods. The large majority of the men were opposed to these acts of vandalism, and had nothing to do with them, yet when the raid was made on our own brigade sutler, General Tibbetts then in temporary command, promiscuously arrested every man found on the streets at that hour, 10 p. m. Three such arrests were made from the writer's company, neither of whom had anything to do with the raid. With others, they were hurriedly taken nearly three miles from the camp, and subjected to most inhuman treatment, such as depriving them of food and even water, and being forced to walk until exhausted. I am indebted to Felix J. Bax- ter, a member of Company H, an educated and refined gentleman, now a resident of Sutton, West Virginia, for the particulars of these unwarranted proceedings of this inhuman officer. The men were kept away thirty-six hours, without the knowledge of either the company officers, or the file. Immediately after this the general had business in Washington.
On the 23d, much to the surprise of the troopers, an order was issued for the arming of all the unarmed men. The general supposition was that we were to march to the rear of General Johnson, who had not yet surrendered. Early on the morning of the 24th the bugles in all di- rections were sounding "boot and saddle," and the "general call." This meant marching. When a camp near a town is to be broken, hundreds of persons white and black gather there to secure what the soldiers may leave in the way of clothing, etc. On this occasion the camp was
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thronged, and as the weather had become quite warm they were well repaid. At eight o'clock General Sheridan and staff pass camp, and soon the entire cavalry are in column filing out the Boydton plank road. A halt was made at Dinwiddie C. H., and some of us had the pleasure of vis- iting the place where we were engaged dismounted on March 31st.
The march was continued, and on the 25th the Notto- way river was crossed on an old and very rickety bridge, and in the evening went into camp near the north fork of the Meherrin river. The next morning that stream was® safely forded. The weather was delightful, the road cool and shady, all nature was becomingly dressed in the garb of early spring. Even the grim warriors appreciated the beautiful surroundings, and gathered boquets of rare wild flowers. It is with light hearts and buoyant spirits, at five o'clock in the evening, that the column enters the pretty little village of Boydton. All the bands were playing "Hail Columbia !" The entire population of the village re- paired to the main street to view the cavalcade. Went into camp near the college grounds. On the 27th the march was resumed. Great crowds of people, white and black, thronged the road and camp. The joy of the negroes was great, and they afforded considerable amusement for the troopers, who now, more than at any other period of the war, could see fun in almost anything.
At noon the column reached the Staunton river and a temporary bridge was made from boats which had been secured by Major Young and General Sheridan's scouts. On the 28th, marched to near South Boston, on Dan River, not far from the North Carolina line, where intelli- gence of Johnston's surrender was received. On the 29th the command started on the return march, taking another route, arriving in Petersburg, May 5th. All the houses passed on this return march displayed a white flag in token of surrender. The natives also intended the flag to represent that the days of foraging were over, and that no more chickens were for sale. Remained in camp near
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Petersburg until the 10th, when the division started to march to Washington. While in camp here, Gen. Custer's wife visited him. She was a beautiful and accomplished lady and a fine equestrian, and seemed to be a fitting com- panion for such a brave officer as our idolized commander. Mrs. Custer remained with the division until it was dis- banded. General Custer always wore a crimson necktie, which consisted of a strip of red merino goods about six inches wide and one yard long. This was worn around the neck, looped once, and the ends tucked beneath the vest. While at Petersburg Mrs. Custer suggested the idea of the entire division wearing this jaunty affair, and the suggestion was at once concurred in, but the goods could not be secured in Petersburg or Richmond.
During the march to Washington we were much grat- ified in being permitted to march through the city of Rich- mond, and many other places made famous by the war, among which might be mentioned Slaughter Mountain, Cedar Grove, Bull Run, and other noted places.
On the 16th the cavalry arrived at Alexandria and camped on Federal Hill in full view of the capital city of the United States. The scene of Colonel Ellsworth's death was visited by about every soldier of the command. The stairs where the Colonel met his death had been nearly cut to pieces by relie hunters. While in camp here, the order appointing the 23rd and 24th days of May for the grand review of all the armies assembling around Washington was issued. A few days after arriving at Alexandria the camp was moved to near the south end of the long bridge, one mile from Washington. While going into camp here, quite an amusing incident occurred which demonstrated the fact that the boys did not know much about the ebb and flow of the tide. Some of them pitched their camp on a beautiful beach near the Potomac River. The tide came up and ent them off from the main camp. When they realized their situation, they hastily shouldered their traps and waded out. This afforded rich amusement for those who witnessed the occurrence. One
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