Sabres and Spurs
The First Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry
by Rev. Frederic Denison, Chaplain
Pub. 1876
Chapter LXI
SURRENDER OF LEE
Pages 455-6-7-
April 8th, 1865--Leaving the infantry, we struck off on another road. About
four in the afternoon, passing Prospect Station, we reached Appomattox Depot,
having marched twenty-eight miles. We here found that Custer had captured
four trains of cars loaded with supplies for Lee's army. Shells flew over our
heads. We crossed the track, ascended the hill, and formed in an open field,
with a small belt of woods separating us from a rebel battery, that was
dealing to us grape and canister, rattling through the trees like hailstones. We
could see the flash from every gun. Our brigade was ordered to advance through
the wood--a very difficult task. The men lost their caps, tore their clothes
and scratched their faces. At the order to charge, the men dashed off with a
shout and uplifted sabres and soon the battery was ours--the Washington
Artillry, of New Orleans, said to be the best in the Confederate sevice.
The other brigades were not idle. Our division, that afternoon and night,
captured between thirty and forty pieces of artillery, over two hundred wagons,
three trains of cars, all loaded and a great number of prisoners. Our
brigade lost heavily in men and horses. But Lee and his army of Northern
Virginia--the head and spinal column of the Con-
federacy were now almost in our grasp. So we forgot our sufferings.
April 9th--In saddles at daylight; waiting two hours for orders. The rebels
commenced the attack. Very early the colored division of the Twenty-Fourth
Corps passed down the road, followed by white troops, having travelled all night.
As they passed we cheered them, and added, "Give it to them. We've got them
in a tight place. Show them what the colored soldiers can do. Remember Fort
Pillow." They answered with shouts and waving of caps.
The firing became nearer. A portion of our line fell back a little. The
infantry were hurried ahead on the double-quick and were soon engaged. The whole
cavalry corps was sent to the right flank, where we were kept moving from one
position to another all the forenoon. About noon our division was formed
ready to charge, when lo! a flag of truce was seen. It came in among the sabres
and spurs to our gallant General Custer. The firing ceased. War paused.
Pregnant moment. General Grant was sent for. Lee came into our lines. Grant
and Lee met at the small house of Mr. McLean, in the village of Appomattox Court
House within rifle shot of our division. There Lee surrendered his sword.
How we looked on that scene! How unutterablly we felt. Yes, sabres and spurs
of the First Rhode Island Cavalry were permitted to aid and exult in the
event. The head of the Confederacy was bowed in defeat.
About four in the afternoon the news of the surrender was heralded through
the army. Salutes were fired. Bands played. Standards waved. Shouts swelled
to the heavens. Such cheering was never before heard on this continent. The
soldiers could not sufficiently utter their feelings. Their joy was unbounded.
The object for which we had been fighting four years was substantially
achieved. The men long continued cheering and shouting, shouting and cheering.
On Grant's bright sword the law was found
The knees of Lee salute the ground.
Historic act! historic spot!
Let patriot hearts forget it not:
As humble captives on that field
Full fiveand twenty thousand kneeled.
City to city the victory tells;
Streaming of banners and ringing of bells;
Booming of cannon and lighting of fires;
Singing of mothers and cheering of sires;
Soldiers in hospitals shout mid their pains;
Suffering prisoners leap in their chains;
Liberty shouts from our Capitol dome,
Answered by anthems from every home.
To be continued
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